Integrity House, a leading provider of comprehensive substance use and mental health services in New Jersey, has been awarded a $300,000 grant through the New Jersey Safety Net Program (NJ SNIP), funded by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation (BMS Foundation), an independent charitable organization.
NJ SNIP is designed to bolster the state’s healthcare safety net by improving care for individuals living with serious mental illnesses (SMI). The Camden Coalition, a multidisciplinary, community-based nonprofit and one of New Jersey’s four Regional Health Hubs, is administering the grant.
The grant will enable Integrity House to embed care managers within local emergency departments, ensuring seamless transitions to care for individuals with SMI. The initiative aims to reduce unnecessary hospital visits, facilitate rapid access to essential treatment services, create integrated pathways that address both clinical and social determinants of health (SDoH), and improve long-term mental health outcomes.
“We are deeply grateful to the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation for supporting increased access to mental health care for Essex County residents,” said Naima Briscoe, MBA, Senior Director of Development and Strategy at Integrity House. “We know that when left untreated, serious mental illness can lead to a greater risk of substance use disorders, physical health complications, and other concerning health outcomes. This grant will help us provide critical support to individuals in crisis, particularly those experiencing severe socioeconomic challenges such as homelessness, while fostering stronger collaboration among hospitals, treatment programs, and community resources.”
Key project activities for the first year include:
● Developing formal agreements with local hospitals;
● Recruiting dedicated care managers and clinical staff, including a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner;
● Delivering clinical services such as psychiatric evaluations and treatment plans; and
● Assessing community members’ overall life conditions and employing appropriate interventions.
The initiative also emphasizes deepening partnerships with local organizations and peer support networks. Continuous feedback from stakeholders will ensure the delivery of culturally responsive and accessible solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of Essex County community members.
Katie Kena, LCSW, Senior Director, will serve as the Project Director for this transformative initiative. With extensive experience in behavioral health and care coordination, Kena is committed to advancing Integrity House’s mission to provide equitable access to high-quality care for all. Katie oversees the Integrity Certified Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), a one-stop resource for individuals experiencing mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Located in Newark, the Integrity CCBHC offers comprehensive health and wellbeing assessments, outpatient mental health and substance use disorder treatment services, primary care screening and monitoring, family support services, and robust care coordination, including linkage to additional health and social services as needed.
“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,” said Kena. “We’re excited to launch this initiative and work closely with our partners to make a lasting impact.”
