Senator Joseph F. Vitale, representative of the 19th Legislative District and Chairman of the Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee, and Ms. Laurie McCabe, his Legislative Director, were special guests at the Mental Health Association in New Jersey’s (MHANJ) Public Policy Committee’s recent meeting. Senator Vitale shared with the committee  updates and his perspective on the Federal Affordable Care Act, the comprehensive Medicaid Waiver and the implementation of the Administrative Services Organization (ASO) which will coordinate services for all adults with mental health needs who are Medicaid eligible or who are enrolled in a services supported by the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.  He and Ms. McCabe also answered questions from the group. 

MHANJ’s Public Policy Committee includes representatives from key mental health advocacy organizations from across the state. The group meets regularly to review and make recommendations about mental health legislation.

The Mental Health Association in New Jersey strives for good mental health for children and adults through advocacy, education, training, and services. Its main office is located in Verona, New Jersey; affiliate offices are located in Absecon, Bridgewater, Jersey City, Kenilworth, Montclair and Toms River. For more information about MHANJ, visit www.mhanj.org, call 973-571-4100 or follow MHANJ on Facebook.