The Department of Health announced a series of town hall meetings aimed at gathering feedback on how to better facilitate integration of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services into the Department’s oversight.

The shift of DMHAS to DOH occurred through a reorganization plan sent to the New Jersey Legislature June 29 that called for the transfer of the entire division from the Department of Human Services to DOH. The rationale in the plan points to the "substantial body of research" supporting integrated care, argues that there could be cost savings and asserts that "only through… a public health approach can we overcome the stigma that for too long has characterized efforts to treat addiction.”

The meetings are planned for all 21 counties during September and October. The county-based forums require registration for those interested in attending.