TRENTON, N.J. – Recognized in Trenton as a champion of mental health, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn is being honored as a community advocate by Good Grief, a nonprofit that offers grief support and education, at their annual gala on Wednesday, Oct. 25.
“Many of my legislative priorities like increasing mental health practitioners and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health services align with the important mission of Good Grief, so it is truly an honor to be recognized by this organization,” Dunn (R-Morris) said. “Advocacy is at the root of my purpose in public service. To be in a position that gives me the privilege of speaking up for New Jerseyans in need motivates many of my proposals in Trenton.”
Last session, Dunn’s bill (A3007) requiring higher education institutions to connect students to campus-based mental health care programs and services was signed into law. This legislative session, Dunn is sponsoring nearly a dozen bills to support increased access to mental health services, especially among the most vulnerable populations like young people, veterans and the underserved. One bill establishes a loan redemption program and gross income tax credit for mental health professionals who serve children and adolescents and another helps veterans receive treatment for PTSD and brain injuries. She also sponsors measures creating a pilot program to better equip struggling middle and high school students with coping skills, and a tuition reimbursement program for advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care services in underserved areas in New Jersey.
“I am grateful for all the work Good Grief has done to help bridge gaps in our communities that may have prevented people from getting the help they need. Together, I look forward to making New Jersey a model for top quality mental health care programs and accessibility,” Dunn said.