Integrity House, a leading provider of substance use and mental health services in New Jersey, has received a $300,000 grant from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation (BMS Foundation) through the New Jersey Safety Net Program (NJ SNIP). This initiative aims to improve the state’s healthcare safety net by enhancing care for individuals living with serious mental illnesses (SMI).
Administered by The Camden Coalition, a community-based nonprofit, the grant will enable Integrity House to embed care managers within local emergency departments. This will ensure smooth transitions to care for individuals with SMI, reduce unnecessary hospital visits, and facilitate rapid access to essential treatment services. The initiative will create integrated care pathways addressing both clinical and social determinants of health (SDoH), ultimately improving long-term mental health outcomes.
Naima Briscoe, Senior Director of Development and Strategy at Integrity House, expressed gratitude for the funding, saying, “We are deeply grateful to the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation for supporting increased access to mental health care for Essex County residents. When left untreated, serious mental illness can lead to a greater risk of substance use disorders, physical health complications, and other health issues. This grant will help us provide critical support to individuals in crisis, particularly those facing severe socioeconomic challenges like homelessness, while fostering stronger collaboration among hospitals, treatment programs, and community resources.”
Key Project Activities
The first-year activities for the initiative will include:
- Developing formal agreements with local hospitals.
- Recruiting dedicated care managers and clinical staff, including a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
- Delivering clinical services like psychiatric evaluations and treatment plans.
- Assessing community members’ overall life conditions and employing appropriate interventions.
The project also focuses on strengthening partnerships with local organizations and peer support networks. Continuous feedback from stakeholders will ensure the initiative is culturally responsive and tailored to meet the unique needs of Essex County residents.
Katie Kena, LCSW, Senior Director and Project Director for the initiative, brings extensive experience in behavioral health and care coordination. She is committed to advancing Integrity House’s mission to provide equitable access to high-quality care. Kena oversees the Integrity Certified Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) in Newark, which offers a comprehensive range of services, including health and well-being assessments, outpatient mental health and substance use treatment, primary care screening, and robust care coordination.
Kena emphasized the importance of the initiative: “Embedding care managers in emergency departments represents a significant step toward reducing barriers to care and creating a more responsive and compassionate healthcare system for individuals with serious mental illnesses. We’re excited to launch this initiative and work closely with our partners to make a lasting impact.”
This transformative project will help ensure that those struggling with SMI receive the care they need, especially in crisis situations, and that the broader community benefits from improved access to mental health services.
