This bill establishes certain requirements concerning the provision of mental health services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

Many Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf individuals with additional disabilities face challenges such as depression, isolation, addiction,  unemployment, and a lack of support and education. They often do not receive appropriate treatment for mental illness due to language and communication barriers, untrained professionals who do not understand their Deaf culture and needs, and being overdiagnosed or overlooked when using American Sign Language (ASL). These barriers lead to increased frustration, greater depression, and difficulties with mental health. This bill establishes a Deaf Service Coordinator who will provide education and training for various mental health programs within the community. This initiative aims to expand the workforce's understanding of Deaf culture and its unique needs, increase the availability of ASL interpreters, and enhance the overall accessibility and quality of mental health services for the Deaf communities in New Jersey.

I am in full support of this proposed legislation that will help Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities to have better access to mental health care in place to promote success.