Jersey City has ARRIVE and Seabrooks-Washington programs, but is mental health crisis response still lacking?

Jersey City, once a beacon of hope for those seeking mental health services, has been grappling with the complexities of crisis response. The city's recent inclusion in the ARRIVE Together program and the launch of the Seabrooks-Washington Community-Led Crisis Response Act have brought about significant strides in addressing mental health emergencies. However, despite these initiatives, the city's mental health crisis response remains a multifaceted issue, with both promising developments and lingering challenges.

The ARRIVE Together Program: A National Model

Jersey City has officially joined the ARRIVE Together program, a statewide initiative designed to de-escalate encounters between police and citizens, particularly in situations involving mental health crises. This program pairs mental health professionals with police officers responding to calls involving emotionally disturbed persons. The initiative aims to provide a more compassionate and effective response to mental health emergencies, reducing the risk of violence and ensuring that those in need receive timely help.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Jersey City's participation in the ARRIVE Together program, citing its proven track record of improving outcomes for individuals needing mental health services. "ARRIVE Together is a national model with a proven track record of improving outcomes for individuals who encounter law enforcement while in need of mental health services," Platkin stated. "Implementing the program gives Jersey City’s law enforcement officers an important tool for responding to calls with a mental health element."

The ARRIVE Together program has already been operational in New Jersey since 2021, with over 5,000 police responses utilizing its model. The results have been impressive, with fewer arrests and fewer uses of force under the program.

The Seabrooks-Washington Community-Led Crisis Response Act

In January of this year, Governor Phil Murphy signed the Seabrooks-Washington Community-Led Crisis Response Act into law. This legislation honors Andrew Washington of Jersey City and Najee Seabrooks of Paterson, both of whom tragically died during encounters with law enforcement while undergoing mental health crises. The act establishes a Community Crisis Response Advisory Council and allocates $12 million to support community crisis response teams in six eligible counties, including Hudson County, where Jersey City is located.

The Seabrooks-Washington program aims to create a more community-driven approach to crisis response. It brings together law enforcement officials, mental health professionals, and community advocates to reduce and defuse the cycle of retribution following incidents of police violence. The program includes a two-year pilot initiative spearheaded by Pamela Johnson and the Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County. The goal is to implement a community-centered crisis response program that addresses the significant gap in mental health awareness and intervention in Jersey City.

Community Partnerships and Funding

Jersey City has secured $2 million in state funding for its mental health first-response program, named in memory of Andrew Washington and Najee Seabrooks. This funding is a crucial step towards establishing comprehensive community crisis response teams. The program will offer compassionate, nonviolent mental health intervention to residents in their most vulnerable moments, preventing tragedies like those witnessed in the past.

Ward E Councilman James Solomon, who is running for mayor in 2025, has expressed his gratitude for the coalition’s work in securing the funding. He noted that their first application was denied due to a poor submission by an external firm. Solomon emphasized the importance of bringing a much-needed mental health intervention program to Jersey City, highlighting that "this funding will address a significant gap in the fight for mental health awareness and intervention."

Challenges Ahead

Despite these promising developments, Jersey City still faces significant challenges in its mental health crisis response. One of the main issues is the need for sustained funding and resources. Ward E Councilman James Solomon has suggested that it may be time to scrap the city's current plan and plug the estimated $4 million in funding into one cohesive program. This recommendation reflects a broader need for coordination and efficiency in the city's mental health services.

Furthermore, local leaders and mental health advocates acknowledge that implementation will require time. The Seabrooks-Washington program is set to launch as a two-year pilot initiative, dedicating a year to planning before its official launch. This phase is crucial for ensuring that the program is well-structured and equipped to handle the complexities of mental health crises.

Implementation Roadmap

The implementation of these programs will be a gradual process. Initially, the ARRIVE Together program will operate two to three days a week, with plans to expand as the medical center adds staff. This phased approach will allow for careful monitoring and adjustments as needed.

The Seabrooks-Washington program will also involve extensive community engagement and training. Mental health professionals will work closely with law enforcement officers to ensure a seamless response to mental health emergencies. This collaboration will help in de-escalating situations and providing timely interventions.

Community Involvement and Advocacy

The success of these programs relies heavily on community involvement and advocacy. Pamela Johnson from the Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County has been instrumental in securing the funding and spearheading the Seabrooks-Washington program. Her dedication, along with that of community partners like Jersey City Together, has been instrumental in pushing for change.

Johnson emphasized that "with this funding, we can offer compassionate, nonviolent mental health intervention to residents in their most vulnerable moments, preventing the tragedies we’ve seen in the past." This commitment to nonviolent intervention is a significant step towards creating a safer and more compassionate community.

Conclusion

Jersey City's mental health crisis response is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. The inclusion in the ARRIVE Together program and the launch of the Seabrooks-Washington Community-Led Crisis Response Act are significant strides in addressing mental health emergencies. However, the need for sustained funding, community engagement, and efficient implementation remains a challenge.

As Jersey City continues to navigate these complexities, it is clear that the commitment to improving mental health services is unwavering. With continued advocacy and community involvement, the city can move towards a more compassionate and effective response to mental health crises, ensuring that all residents can receive the help they need without fear of violence.

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References:

• Jersey City, N.J., Adds Mental Health Workers to 911 Calls
• Jersey City has ARRIVE and Seabrooks-Washington programs, but is mental health crisis response still lacking?
• Governor Murphy Signs Seabrooks-Washington Community-Led Crisis Response Act
• Jersey City Secures $2 Million in Funding for Mental Health First-Response Program