NJHA's Mary Ditri, Jennifer Sryfi and Michael Mimms presented the work of NJHA’s veteran mental health navigators at the 2018 VA Community Mental Health Summit. Their presentation was by invitation of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at Eastern Colorado Health Care System at the University of Colorado.

The Summit, titled Expanding Hope, is held annually with a focus on strengthening partnerships and sharing resources to better serve veterans and their families. One of the key goals is to enhance access to mental health services and addressing the mental health needs of veterans and their families.  

NJHA has employed veterans to serve as health navigators since 2013. Initially their role focused on helping New Jersey residents sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, but their services have transitioned to helping veterans and other healthcare consumers navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and address chronic conditions. New Jersey has the third highest number of veterans per square mile with the highest concentration in Burlington, Camden, Monmouth and Ocean counties. NJHA projects serving veterans include the United Health Foundation-funded Veteran Mental Health Navigator program, which serves the highest need counties in the state; the Partnership for Patients Hospital Improvement Innovation Network Healthcare Navigators; and the New Jersey Department of Health diabetes prevention navigator initiative.  

Learn more about these programs on the Serving Those Who Served Facebook page