Morano Q&A: testing DVS systems as an undercover veteran

I have three final questions, I think.

And as an agency, as we continue having many roundtables at DVS, I've heard from many veteran groups that perhaps that this is one of the first times when the agency itself has really engaged many of the groups.

You know, we recently lost the former governor of New Jersey, Dick Cody, who did a lot in New Jersey for the cause of mental health.

So that's an example.

And one of the things that he did, even as a state senator, he would go sort of undercover into different homes as someone in need of mental health services.

So at DVS, we are meeting with our providers to hear from them directly to let us know what has been working, what hasn't been working.

And as an agency, as we continue having many roundtables at DVS, I've heard from many veteran groups that perhaps that this is one of the first times when the agency itself has really engaged many of the groups.

And him going through that experience really helped him understand some of the gaps that were existing in mental health services.

So that's an example.

So at DVS, we are meeting with our providers to hear from them directly to let us know what has been working, what hasn't been working.

I'm curious, does DVS ever test its own system by having someone go through the process as though they were a veteran seeking help?

And as an agency, as we continue having many roundtables at DVS, I've heard from many veteran groups that perhaps that this is one of the first times when the agency itself has really engaged many of the groups.

Have you ever tested how many calls it takes, how long someone waits?

So that's an example.

So at DVS, we are meeting with our providers to hear from them directly to let us know what has been working, what hasn't been working.

many times they have to repeat their story and whether they ultimately reach a provider.

And as an agency, as we continue having many roundtables at DVS, I've heard from many veteran groups that perhaps that this is one of the first times when the agency itself has really engaged many of the groups.

Thank you for that question, Council Member.

That's currently what I am doing as the new commissioner.

So that's an example.

So at DVS, we are meeting with our providers to hear from them directly to let us know what has been working, what hasn't been working.

I am testing and assessing every system that we have in place.

Including like when someone does come into our office and the walk-in, what is the waiting period, which staff can also cover that.

And as an agency, as we continue having many roundtables at DVS, I've heard from many veteran groups that perhaps that this is one of the first times when the agency itself has really engaged many of the groups.

I am assessing all of that component, including myself.

So that's an example.

So at DVS, we are meeting with our providers to hear from them directly to let us know what has been working, what hasn't been working.

I also sometimes play that role and I would say like I mock it, right, to see like,

And as an agency, as we continue having many roundtables at DVS, I've heard from many veteran groups that perhaps that this is one of the first times when the agency itself has really engaged many of the groups.

how do I feel, but also taking consideration that how different backgrounds of individuals that come in into the agency.

So that's an example.

So at DVS, we are meeting with our providers to hear from them directly to let us know what has been working, what hasn't been working.

And as an agency, as we continue having many roundtables at DVS, I've heard from many veteran groups that perhaps that this is one of the first times when the agency itself has really engaged many of the groups.

So to your question, that is something that we are assessing and we look forward to continuing having these conversations.

So that's an example.

So at DVS, we are meeting with our providers to hear from them directly to let us know what has been working, what hasn't been working.