By: Richard L. Smith
An Essex County initiative designed to provide mental health treatment to individuals in the criminal justice system has earned national recognition for its approach to patient care and rehabilitation.
According to a statement released by Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., the partnership between the Essex County Correctional Facility, CFG Health and Newark’s Silver Lake Hospital received the 2026 Program of the Year Award from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC).
The award recognizes correctional healthcare programs nationwide that demonstrate innovation, patient safety and measurable improvements in treatment.
Launched in August 2024, the initiative allows eligible inmates experiencing serious mental health conditions to receive specialized hospital treatment rather than remain in a traditional correctional setting.
Since its introduction, the program has served more than 400 patients from 10 New Jersey counties.
DiVincenzo said the initiative was developed after correctional officials noticed a growing number of inmates struggling with mental health challenges.
The goal, he explained, is to address underlying conditions that may contribute to criminal behavior while helping reduce repeat offenses.
Participation requires approval from a team of correctional officials, healthcare professionals and representatives of the judicial system.
County officials highlighted one participant who entered the program following an arrest for a low-level offense linked to untreated mental illness.
After approximately four weeks of psychiatric treatment at Silver Lake Hospital, the individual returned home, reconnected with family and resumed plans to pursue a graduate degree. Officials said he continues receiving outpatient mental health services.
CFG Health CEO Brandon De Julius credited the collaboration between county government, healthcare providers and community partners for creating an alternative approach to treating individuals with serious mental illness.
The national recognition highlights Essex County’s efforts to expand access to mental healthcare while helping individuals transition from incarceration toward treatment and recovery.