Powerful societal factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid integration of technology into daily life and polarized political sentiment have contributed to mental health challenges for a great many people from all walks of life in New Jersey and elsewhere.

Leaders and practitioners from a range of disciplines including health care, social work, academia and law enforcement are increasingly becoming involved with mental health crises arising in nearly all communities whether adolescent, workforce age, or elder. Greater understanding, updated professional protocols and evolved treatment practices are needed to help mitigate often life-threatening risks to vulnerable people.

NJ Spotlight News is holding a special virtual roundtable series exploring with experts a cross section of mental health challenges facing groups in New Jersey, focusing in particular on adapting improved practices across our health care systems, schools, workplaces, law enforcement, and technology platforms.

The subject of the second roundtable in the series, which took place May 24, was workforce mental health and the intersection of at-risk communities and law enforcement.

Opening interview:

Carolyn Beauchamp, CEO, Mental Health Association in NJ, speaks with Briana Vannozzi, Anchor, NJ Spotlight News

Panelists:

Frank A. Ghinassi, PhD, ABPP, President & CEO, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care; Senior Vice President, Behavioral Health and Addictions, RWJBarnabas Health

Damien Alan Lopez, Project Manager and Trainer, Garden State Equality

Valerie L. Mielke, Assistant Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services

Jason M. Williams, PhD, Associate Professor of Justice Studies, Montclair State University

Bobby Brier, Mental Health Writer, NJ Spotlight News

Moderator:

Briana Vannozzi, Anchor, NJ Spotlight News

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