My personal journey with Shore House, New Jersey's first and only Clubhouse accredited by Clubhouse International, has deeply instilled in me an understanding of the difference such services can make in people's lives. We are one among more than 350 accredited Clubhouses operating internationally, yet New Jersey currently stands alone in the fact that it does not permit these establishments to bill Medicaid for the services they provide. In contrast, most other states allow Medicaid billing, therefore easing access to such crucial services.

Bill S-2606/A-3770 addresses this imbalance by providing NJ Clubhouses the chance to bill Medicaid for the services they render. Such a shift would not only bring us on par with other states but would also make possible the expansion of the Clubhouse Model throughout New Jersey, making these essential services accessible to those in need.

Anyone with a passing understanding of these services knows their immense contribution. Therefore, it is crucial that we urge our New Jersey legislators to support this game-changing legislative act. In the spirit of fairness, it's time to move ourselves from the status of outliers to trendsetters in providing accessible support services for mental health.

I urge you to sign this petition, throw your support behind the Bill S-2606/A-3770, and help New Jersey's accredited Clubhouses receive the support they deserve. Together, we can expand access to Clubhouse facilities throughout the state and provide essential services to those who need it the most.