Booker Visits Camden County Jail, Announces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation Expanding Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Services for People Who are Incarcerated

Press Release

"Today, I had the opportunity to engage in an important dialogue at the Camden County Jail to better understand the challenges that people who are incarcerated face when accessing vital mental health and substance abuse services. Failing to provide medical coverage for these treatments for people while incarcerated exacerbates health disparities and heightens their risk of serious illness and injury. Ensuring this access to treatment isn't just the right thing to do based on our values, but it's in the best interest of our communities and our public safety--this program is giving people a fighting chance at a successful reentry post-incarceration.That is why I will be introducing this bicameral and bipartisan legislation that would ensure comprehensive coverage for mental health and substance use services throughout the time a person is incarcerated to disrupt the cycle of recidivism and provide them with the help they need. Ensuring that our criminal justice system focuses on rehabilitation will save taxpayer dollars and make our communities safer and stronger."

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