06/05/2026
This news report highlights what many families across New Jersey already know: navigating youth mental health services can be overwhelming, confusing, and often comes with long waits for care.
At United Way of Hunterdon County, we see firsthand how critical early intervention and accessible mental health support are for children, families, and communities. That's why youth mental health continues to be one of our key advocacy priorities at both the local and state levels.
We're proud to share that several of our funding requests are being championed at both the federal and state levels—helping elevate critical needs facing our rural communities. This includes advocacy efforts focused on increasing access to mental health resources and support services for children, families, and young people across our region.
Through initiatives like United in Play, we are working to support the mental well-being of young people by training coaches, strengthening protective factors, and helping create supportive environments where youth can thrive. We have also advocated for increased state investment in mental health resources to ensure rural communities like Hunterdon County have access to the care and services families need.
We are encouraged to see New Jersey lawmakers prioritizing solutions that strengthen the mental health workforce, improve coordination of care, support schools, and expand access for children and families.
Mental health support shouldn't be difficult to find—and no child should have to wait months or years for help.
Thank you to our state leaders for continuing this important conversation and advancing meaningful solutions for New Jersey's youth! Senator Cory Booker Senator Andrew ZwickerSenator Andy Kim
Lawmakers proposed fixes to NJ's child mental health system in response to a report saying it frustrates parents, leaves kids waiting for care
