New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies

Attitudes In Reverse® (AIR™), a Princeton-based nonprofit organization, will honor Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) with the Partner in Hope award during its inaugural Taste of Hope fundraising event on October 6, 2016 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, 100 College Road East, Princeton, NJ. In addition to honoring Dr. Wentz for her support of AIR and leadership in mental health advocacy, the affair is designed to build awareness of AIR and support its mission of saving lives through mental-health and suicide-prevention education.

"We are so grateful to Debra for her support since January 2013, when Shauna Moses, who works with her, joined our Board. Through our partnership with NJAMHAA, AIR has gained tremendous visibility by exhibiting at NJAMHAA's conferences and co-sponsoring annual suicide prevention conferences, which has resulted in invitations for us to present at NJAMHAA member agencies, as well as additional schools throughout the state," said Tricia Baker, Co-Founder of AIR.

"I remember the idea for AIR to hold a conference coming up at our Board retreat in February 2013 and we thought it was an unrealistic goal, at least for the immediate future. But, it happened just seven months later, thanks to Debra's passion for our cause and our organization," added AIR Co-Founder Kurt Baker.

"It was instantly clear that AIR and NJAMHAA were meant to be partners, as we both aim to eliminate stigma and ensure that everyone in need of mental health care seeks and receives services," Dr. Wentz said. "I am greatly touched and inspired by the Bakers' ability to channel their tragic loss into a positive mission that is helping many youth and their families."

"I was surprised to learn that I would be receiving this award. It means so much to be an honoree at this event for an organization that inspires hope and provides education and tools for helping others embark on the path of recovery," Dr. Wentz added.

For event details and to register, visit www.airtoh.org. To learn more about AIR, visit www.attitudesinreverse.org.

The Taste of Hope event is sponsored by Szaferman Lakind Blumstein & Blader, P.C. (Respect Sponsor); Faith Sponsors: The Rose and Lou Linowitz Charitable Foundation and Stark and Stark; Dignity Sponsors: Horizon New Jersey Health and Leary, Bride, Tinker, and Moran; and Love Sponsors: Beato Chiropractic, Butler Woodcrafters, CarePlus New Jersey, Creative Capital Inc., First Bank, Fly High Coby, Hinkle Fingles, Prior & Fischer, Merlin Industries, and US-1 Courier Services.