NJ PARTNERS: HISTORY AND ACTIVITIES

The Partners began in 1999, when seven New Jersey professionals met with representatives of four other states, as part of a national training effort to build state and local coalitions. The focus was on the needs of older adults with mental illness and/or substance abuse. Training was funded by the federal Center for Mental Health Services. Three years later, the roster of NJ Partners members and friends has grown to nearly 80.

In-kind and other support comes largely from the Partners and their organizations. Recognizing that New Jersey has one of the nation's highest concentrations of persons ages 65 and above, NJ Partners are networking with other groups who have concerns about this population and their care. The Partners jointly sponsor and prepare panels for state-wide events on topics that range from medications management to assisted living to co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse. A future Partners' information campaign will address the signs and symptoms of depression, alcoholism and the misuse of other drugs. Audiences will include both the general public and primary care community.

NJ Partners' meetings are open to all, with a special welcome for older consumers and their caregivers. The group convenes approximately every six weeks at locations that rotate around the state.