Saturday, April 02, 2005

Codey task force urges sweeping changes in mental health system (New Jersey) Newsday story - "Pledging a new commitment by the state to help mentally ill people, acting Gov. Richard J. Codey on Thursday released a report from his mental health task force that urges sweeping changes in New Jersey's mental health treatment system. Codey said the system has often failed people with mental illness, but that the recommendations of the task force, which he created the day he took office in November, would have 'a lasting influence' on mentally ill people. ... Dozens of changes urged in the report are intended to improve access to and quality of care for mental illness, including providing better community-based services. Codey said the state will now emphasize long-term recovery and wellness, and will end the current 'take your meds, go to a program' approach to treatment." See also the full task force report.