10am - 12pm at NJAMHAA

NJAMHAA had the following letter to the editor published in the Star-Ledger on October 24, 2012:

In response to "Diabetics' arrest now draws concern" (October 18, 2012), I applaud our lawmakers' call for training for state troopers to prevent inappropriate arrests of individuals experiencing diabetic shock. Education is equally critical to prevent police from wrongly incarcerating individuals with mental illnesses.Mental illness can lead to withdrawal and unresponsiveness, hallucinations, outbursts of anger or anxiety. Officers must recognize such behaviors as potentially related to mental illnesses and approach individuals calmly. The needed understanding and techniques can be gained through Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training.Several behavioral health care providers in New Jersey offer CIT training. Consumers are diverted from jail and spend less time in crisis units, where they are linked to appropriate treatment services.It is imperative that CIT training be offered statewide. Individuals with mental illnesses deserve opportunities to receive appropriate services. Putting them in jail is inhumane and impedes their chances for recovery.

Shauna Moses, Associate Executive Director, NJAMHAA

10am - 12pm at NJAMHAA

10am - 12pm at NJAMHAA

Click on title to be brought to presentation PDF

Keynote Presentation: The Opioid Epidemic from a Public Health Perspective

Plenary: Update from Washingtion

Workshop A: Tackling Addictions Together: Integrating Peer Recovery Services and Medical Interventions

Workshop B: Moving to Science Based Treatment and Away from Points and Levels

Workshop C: Using a Regional Health Information Exchange to Support the Behavioral Health Community

Workshop D: Healthcare System Reform an the Essential Role of Behavioral Healthcare Providers

Workshop E: Human Trafficking: Overview of a Service Provider's Foundational Guide to a Victim-Centered, Survivor and Trauma-Informed Approach

Workshop F: Expanding the Use of MAT in a CCBHC

Workshop G: Intergrat Career Services into Clinical Services to Improve Wellness Outcomes for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness

Workshop H: Integration in a Community Behavioral Health Clinic: Experiences to Enhance Wellness

Workshop I: Venture Capitalism

NJAMHAA and the statewide Integrated Case Management Services (ICMS) Leadership Committee worked together to develop a dynamic and comprehensive case management conference, What To Do When...A Toolkit for Outreach Workers, which will be held on September 10, 2015 at the Pines Manor in Edison, NJ.

This conference is tailored to meet the needs of all community based case management programs, such as ICMS, Involuntary Outpatient Commitment (IOC), Justice Involved Services (JIS), Project for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH), Residential Intensive Support Team (RIST) and Supportive Housing. The purpose of this conference is to support and enhance communication among case managers to promote the general advancement of best practices and service delivery, and to promote a shared commitment to individuals with psychiatric issues in need of or utilizing case management services.

This year's conference will feature:
• Keynote Presentation: The Power of Presence, Robin Coley, Self-Help Specialist, Peer Liaison, ICMS, Mental Health Association of Morris County
• Workshops:
o Crisis Intervention Team (CIT): Collaborating to Provide Better Service
o Involuntary Outpatient Commitment and how it Helps with All Case Management Aspect
o The Science of Compassionate Care
o What it Takes to Bring HOPE to Consumers
o What it Takes to Bring HOPE to Consumers
o Life after Incarceration
• Closing Plenary: Safety Awareness and Self Preservation on the Job for Healthcare Professionals, Sergeant Christopher Hill, McNamara & Associates, Inc.

Click here for all program details and here to register.

View from the Top: Putting the Big Picture into Focus in Everyday Operations

April 24-25, 2013 at The Pines Manor in Edison, NJ

See the highlights below and register online through the Conferences section of www.njamhaa.org!

DAY ONE - April 24, 2013

Keynote - Housing and Healthcare in a Managed Care Environment - Kevin Martone, MSW, Director, Behavioral Health, Technical Assistance Collaborative

Workshop Topics:

* Performance Based Outcomes Measurement

* Trauma Informed Care: An Evidence-Based Model that Uses a Cognitive Behavioral Approach

* Policy in NJ and DC

* Children's Workshop: Bullying, Violence & Suicide

Lunchtime Keynote - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (invited)

Plenary Presentation: Health financing that integrates physical and behavioral health in light of Medicaid waivers, state plan amendments and managed care approaches - Suzanne Fields MSW, LICSW, Senior Advisor, Health Financing, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Interactive Plenary Session: A Discussion on Readiness for Moving to the Administrative Services Organization (ASO): What can you do to prepare as we move to the ASO and fee for service model? Lynn Kovich, MEd, Assistant Commissioner, NJ Division of Mental Health & Addiction Services, and several NJAMHAA Members

Courage & Compassion Awards Reception

DAY TWO - April 25, 2013

Keynote: DSM-5 - How Diagnosis will Change for Addictions and Mental Health - Charles O'Brien MD, PhD; Kenneth E. Appel Professor of Psychiatry University of Pennsylvania Treatment Research Center

Workshop Topics:

* Business and Finance Re-Engineering

* Social Determinants: A Wellness Approach to Mental Health Recovery

* Essential Health Benefits and Parity

* Helping the Foster Child Overcome Ambiguous Loss

Lunchtime Keynote: Addressing the challenges and opportunities for behavioral health on the federal level, how far we have come, how far we have to go and how providers should strategize - Linda Rosenberg, MSW, President & CEO, National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare

Afternoon Plenary Presentation: A View from the Payers Perspectives: Strategies providers need to know -, Sandra Forquer, PhD, Senior Vice President, State Government Programs, and Rhonda Robinson Beale, MD, Chief Medical Officer, OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions (invited)

Interactive Plenary Session: Financial Issues: How it all adds up in achieving recovery oriented integrated care: In order to provide a full array of services and supports to achieve recovery-oriented integrated care for all those with mental health and addiction needs, as well as those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring disorders, under an ASO model, rates have to cover costs to ensure access and capacity. - Moderator: Cheryl Young, CFO, Easter Seals New Jersey, and Co-Chair of NJAMHAA's Rate Setting Workgroup and CFO Committee

Sponsorships, exhibitor spaces and ads are also available!

Visit the Conferences section of www.njamhaa.org for all the details and to register online by tomorrow, March 8th, to get the Early Bird attendee registration rates!

NJAMHAA's and Attitude in Reverse^®'s Suicide Prevention Conference Will Take Place on September 20^th

"Mental health should not scare or shock people. However, that is what ends up happening when it is discussed in an inappropriate context," according to Bryce Dershem, a recent high school graduate, who will deliver the keynote presentation, Breaking Barriers, at the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies' (NJAMHAA's) and Attitudes In Reverse^®'s (AIR™'s) 9^th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference, Back to School: Breaking the Barriers, which will be held virtually on September 20, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Dershem will discuss the importance of eliminating barriers for students to obtain mental health care services. "Without talking about mental health in a certain way, many students turn to social media and the Internet for information. This can result in misinformation and triggering behaviors in students who are already struggling with their mental health, which can perpetuate a cycle of harm," Dershem added.

Schools must create safe and supportive environments for all students so they can succeed academically while maintaining and strengthening their mental and physical health. As stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for youth to thrive in schools and their communities, they need to feel physically, socially and emotionally safe and supported. This is especially true for youth who identify as members of the lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-queer-or-questioning-intersex-asexual-plus (LGBTQIA+) community and students who suffer from mental illness. Acceptance in the school community will be discussed by Rosetta D. Treece, EdD, Superintendent of Schools for the Hopewell Valley Regional School District, during the Suicide Prevention Conference.

The CDC's 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey that exclusively surveyed LGBTQIA+ youth shows that 10 percent of respondents were threatened or injured with weapons on school property. The survey also reveals that 34 percent of respondents were bullied at school, while 28 percent were cyberbullied. Approximately 18 percent of LGBTQIA+ students reported experiencing intimate partner violence and 23 percent indicated that they dated someone who had experienced sexual dating violence. This exposure to violence can have negative impacts on the education and health of a young person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBTQIA+ students are more likely to not attend school for at least one day during a 30-day period. Being frequently absent from school has been connected to low graduation rates, which can have lifelong consequences. The exposure to violence also puts LGBTQIA+ youth at a greater risk for depression, substance use and self-harm.

Dershem, who identifies as queer, said that while he went through a lot of challenges in high school, it was a period of transformation and that he grew into the strong person he is proud to be. He said that his school did not have many mental health services, such as referrals to treatment, but that the great form of support came from his teachers and his academic counselor, who were especially encouraging and accommodating when Dershem was in treatment for an eating disorder. This reassurance and flexibility resulted in Dershem becoming the valedictorian of his graduating class.

At his high school's graduation ceremony, Dershem courageously delivered an emotional valedictorian speech during which he described himself as "formerly suicidal, formerly anorexic [and] queer." Dershem said he wrote his speech in this way to bring awareness to mental health, to combat the stigma associated with mental illness and to "let everyone know that they were not alone." As Dershem made his speech, he was nervous and knew that there was a chance that the school administration could cut his microphone after they asked him to eliminate the parts about mental health and his sexual orientation. He decided to still discuss these topics to "fight oppression against those with mental illness." When Derhsem's microphone was cut, people started cheering, which he said empowered him and gave him the pride and passion that he needed to finish his speech.

He concluded his speech by saying, "Before we can even start down this road of self-discovery, we've got to make sure we are doing okay and can handle the drive, especially when it comes to mental health." Dershem was met with a standing ovation from the crowd, which "meant the world" to him. "For me, this proved that my speech was important and that what I discussed should not be stigmatized. This was confirmed when a woman who worked for the school came up to me and told me that her son died by suicide and that my speech meant a lot to her," said Dershem.

"The courage of Bryce and other students help their peers who are struggling with their mental health by normalizing struggles that people can face. It can make a profound difference in other people's lives. Bryce is an extraordinary young man and I am so proud of him for staying true to who he is and what he wanted to say in his speech. It emphasizes that some students need to be connected to resources and mental health treatment professionals. The goal of NJAMHAA and AIR's Suicide Prevention Conference is to reduce the stigma around mental illness and suicide, as well as to encourage positive mental health practices. I hope that both this event and Bryce's speech inspire students who are struggling to seek treatment and that dialogue can be established between students and school administrators regarding mental health support," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA.

"We are excited for attendees to hear Bryce's keynote speech. He offers the critical student perspective, which can shine a light on the mental health issues that students often struggle with. We are thrilled to feature a school administrator who will discuss building diversity and acceptance in schools and overcoming the stigma surrounding mental illness. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about AIR's school-based therapy dog program and how dogs can support mental health and suicide prevention," said Tricia Baker, YMHFA, CPDT-KA, Co-Founder of AIR.

"We would like to thank Hackensack Meridian Carrier Clinic, the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - New Jersey Chapter for co-sponsoring this event. These partnerships enable us to present this critical information to everyone who works with children, as well as parents. This event and National Suicide Prevention Week present an opportunity to discuss mental health and suicide, which can lead to ways to prevent suicide and increase access to mental health resources," Kurtis Baker, YMHFA, CFP^®, Co-Founder of AIR.

In addition to Dr. Treece's presentation and Dershem's keynote speech, there will be a panel about overcoming stigma featuring Dr. Treece; Dershem; Gerard Dalton, MA, Principal of the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District; and Randy Radd, MSW, LCSW, School Social Worker for Hamilton Township Public Schools. Susan Tellone, RN, BS, CSN, MSN, Clinical Director for the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, will discuss what to look for to determine if a student may be struggling with their mental health. Tricia Baker will discuss how to establish a school-based therapy dog program and how dogs support mental health and suicide prevention.

To register for the conference, visit www.njamhaa.org/events.

9:00am - 4:00pm RWJ Fitness and Wellness Ctr.

3100 Quakerbridge Rd. Hamilton, NJ 08619

NJAMHAA Annual Conference April 2018
Day 1 April 10, 2018

Keynote: Creating Balance Through Integrated Care  Shereef Elnahal, MD
Workshop 1A: A Community Makes the Paradigm Shift - Person-centered, Trauma-informed Care in an Interdisciplinary Agency Serving Adults Traumatized as Children  Kathleen McMahon, R.N., M.A., Ed.M.  Debbie Rosenwein, MSW, LSW  Gregory Yucht, MSW, LSW
Workshop 1B: Intoxicating Cycles of Shame: The Missing Link in Treating Co-Occuring Eating & Substance Disorders  Margaret Nagib, PsyD
Workshop 1C: The Evidence-based, Value-based Integrated Care Manifesto John Monahan, LCSW
Workshop 1D: Using What You've Got! Leadership, Workforce and Data  David Bucciferro Robert N. Davison, MA, LPC
Workshop 1E: Simply Amazing: The Secret Behind Guiness World Records and Reaching Your Potential  David Justus
Workshop 1F: Sock It To Stigma George Mladenetz, M.Ed.,LCACD, ICGC-I
Workshop 1G: New Jersey's Pediatric Psychiatry Collaborative: An in-depth look at a successful community-based model for integrating primary and mental/behavioral health care PartA PartB Raymond Hanbury, Ph.D. Stephanie Azzarello, BA Frances Pelliccia, M.D.
Workshop 1H: EBP2: Evolving Better Partnerships x Evidence-Based Practices  Anna Marie Toto, EdM

Day 2 April 11, 2018

Keynote: Achieving Population Health Through Mental Health Integration & Team-Based Care  Brenda Reiss-Brennan
Workshop 2I: Getting Ahead of Stress, Burnout and Compassion Fatigue  Anne Collier, MPP, JD, PC  Cynthia Shaffer, MS, MBA
Workshop 2J: Problem Gambling and Trauma  Kenneth Litwak II
Workshop 2K: CCBHC Innovative Model of Care for Behavioral Health  Brenda Goggins, JD Michael D'Amico, LCSW Rebecca Farley
Workshop 2L: The Benefits of Developing Medical-Legal Partnerships to Address the Social Determinants of Health and Promote Comprehensive and Holistoc Healthcare  Erika Kerber, Esq. Harold B. Garwin, Esq. Linda Y. Mur, PhD, LCADC
Plenary 2A: Performance Measures: Getting Them Right From Development to Incorporation in Practice & EHRs  Article1  Article2   Frank Ghinassi, PhD, ABPP
Plenary 2B: How Health Plans are Providing Integrated, Personalized Behavioral Health Services  Dr. Hyong Un
Workshop 2M: Integrated Medication Services: Rewarding For All  Linda G. Gochfeld, MD Narsimha Pinninti, MD
Workshop 2N: Technology Assisted Integration Strategies  Donald J. Parker, LCSW
Workshop 2O: CCBHCs: Key Factors for Success Heading into Year 2  Rebecca Farley
Workshop 2P: Ethics and Professional Responsibility in Today's World  Christine Heer, JD, MSW, LCSW, DVS

NJAMHAA and AIR to Hold an Event on National Suicide Prevention Day, September 10, 2013

The crisis of suicide is continuing in New Jersey and across the nation, as evidenced by several tragedies that occurred in just the past few weeks, let alone previous months and years. "This devastating trend clearly indicates a critical need for education and action to save young people's lives," said Shauna Moses, Associate Executive Director of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA; www.njamhaa.org) and a Board member for Attitudes in Reverse^® (AIR, www.attitudesinreverse.org). "Both NJAMHAA and AIR are determined to eliminate stigma and other barriers so that everyone who experiences mental health challenges can receive the help they need - help that has been proven many times to be highly effective. The first step is gaining education, which AIR provides. The next step is seeking services, which NJAMHAA members deliver," Moses said. To build awareness and illustrate the effectiveness of these educational, clinical and other resources, NJAMHAA and AIR will present Back to School: Take a Breath - and Pack a Good Mental Health Tool Kit, on September 10, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Department of Human Services' first floor conference room, 222 South Warren St., Trenton.

"Since we lost our son Kenny to suicide and faced discrimination over the cause of his death, we immediately launched our mission to educate students and school faculty and staff about the connection between suicide risk and mental health disorders," said Tricia and Kurt Baker, Co-Founders of AIR. "We reinforce the fact that these disorders are real, biological illnesses that are treatable and should not be a reason to feel embarrassed. We also emphasize that mental health disorders must be addressed just as broken bones, heart conditions and many other health issues are addressed: as promptly as possible, without fear or shame on the part of individuals with the disorders and without stigma or discrimination from health professionals, educators or anyone else."

These presentations are clearly having an impact, as illustrated by comments from students, such as the following: "Thank you for making me aware of the possibility that I could have a mental illness. After the AIR presentation, I got help and I got diagnosed with depression and a social anxiety disorder. So, thank you again for giving the presentation, ultimately helping me to make the decision to get help and save my life."

According to the New Jersey Department of Children and Families' (DCF's) Updated 2012 Adolescent Suicide Report, 234 New Jersey residents, of whom 162 were between 19 and 24 years of age, completed suicide between 2009 and 2011. In 2010, the rate of completed suicides among New Jersey's 10- to 24-year-olds was 5.3 per 100,000 and in 2011, the rate in this age group was 4.2 per 100,000. The rate of suicide attempts were 46 per 100,000 youths resulting in hospitalization and 49 per 100,000 youths resulting in emergency department treatment. DCF's report, which also outlines the state's suicide prevention efforts and resources, is available from //www.state.nj.us/dcf/news/reportsnewsletters/dcfreportsnewsletters/.

New Jersey has had the lowest numbers of adolescent suicides compared to other states for more than a decade, DCF reported. However, "even one suicide is too many and these tragedies could be prevented," according to Moses. "Every person must be educated about mental health, related disorders and suicide prevention; this is what AIR provides. Every person also needs unimpeded access to the full continuum of behavioral health treatment and support services. NJAMHAA educates government leaders and the general public about the importance and effectiveness of these services, which our members provide throughout the state."

Event Highlights

• Opening Remarks - The Honorable Jennifer Velez, Esq., Commissioner, Department of Human Services
• The connection among bullying, mental health disorders and suicide; Teacher mandated training, resources and best practices for prevention, intervention and postvention (the importance of crisis plans and being prepared just in case the worse happens - Michelle Ann Rish-Scott, PhD, MSW, Chair of the Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council and Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, Monmouth University
• Coming Up for AIR: Description of AIR's educational program and insights into its positive impact on students, as well as school faculty and staff - AIR Co-Founders Tricia and Kurt Baker; several AIR Board members, who are also behavioral health providers and advocates; and a teacher who has had AIR present multiple times to her high school students
• First-Hand Proof that Services Help Save and Enhance Lives - Descriptions of services provided and personal success stories shared directly by youth who received these services

Online registration is available at //www.eventbrite.com/event/7718651695. There is no fee for attending this event.

December 21, 2017

MERCERVILLE, NJ - With the holiday season in full swing during December, many people find that their own experiences of financial and time constraints, navigating interpersonal relationships, and seasonal changes in eating or sleeping habits may not live up to the cultural expectation of a wintertime filled with peace and joy. In a survey conducted by Healthline two years ago, almost two-thirds of respondents reported "very or somewhat" elevated stress levels during the holiday season. Accordingly, many people experience symptoms of depression and anxiety during December, which have become known as the "holiday blues."

The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) is a trade association representing 160 New Jersey community-based providers of behavioral healthcare services, which can be found in every county statewide and serve 500,000 individuals of all ages each year. NJAMHAA members treat people from all walks of life, and many providers can help individuals who are struggling with feelings of stress or depression during the holiday season and beyond, when necessary. NJAMHAA and its members are on the forefront of breaking down stigma and spreading awareness that struggling with mental health challenges is normal, and that seeking treatment is a sign of strength, not weakness.

"During the winter holiday season, the days are darker, and the pressure people feel is greater," said Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., President and CEO of NJAMHAA. "Between rushing to buy presents, attending social gatherings, and taking care of family responsibilities, along with potential triggers of depression and anxiety people can experience during the holidays, December is an overwhelming time for many. Symptoms of the holiday blues can include, but are not limited to, loneliness, isolation, trouble concentrating, frustration and fatigue."

NJAMHAA hopes that others can curb the holiday blues this season by following these tips:

Manage your expectations. Often times, many individuals have unrealistic expectations of their holiday season. Setting reasonable goals that can be achieved during this season can help foster greater happiness.

Stick to normal routines as much as possible to avoid unnecessary stress. This includes regular sleeping, exercise, eating, and drinking habits, which are easily disrupted during the holidays, with so many parties, gatherings, family celebrations, and other events.

Be aware of personal mental health needs. Feelings of depression and anxiety can manifest during the holidays (or any time); if they are persistent, they should be taken seriously, since transitory problems can indicate larger underlying mental health conditions or lead to long-term conditions.

Create enough time for self-care. It is necessary to regroup from the bustling season and give yourself time to take care of your own health or expectations during the holidays.

Additional tips for managing stress and staying healthy during the holidays include:

• Stay in contact with close friends and family.
• Set limits: If feeling vulnerable, overwhelmed, etc., it's ok to say "no" to an event, or go late and leave early.
• Set boundaries: Stay away from people, places and things that are not emotionally healthy.
• Drink responsibly: Do not drink and drive. Know how alcohol affects you because it is different for everyone. Be aware that alcohol is a depressant drug. Read prescription bottle labels to ensure that alcohol will not cause a negative reaction. Remember that it takes about one hour to metabolize a standard drink.

Following these tips during the holiday season (and throughout the year) can help one maintain good overall health and prevent the holiday blues. However, if the holiday blues do not pass, local providers of mental health and substance use treatment can be found at //njamhaa.org/njamhaa-member-directory.

The Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) hosted a stakeholder meeting to prioritize goals for its Adult Suicide Prevention Plan and the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (GCADA) launched its Addiction Does Not Discriminate campaign, both appropriately held on May 22, 2014, during National Prevention Week.

DMHAS' Suicide Prevention Plan

"One person dies by suicide every 13.7 minutes, according to the American Association of Suicidology, and for every completed suicide, between eight and 12 people attempt it," stated Roger Borichewski, MSW, LCSW, Assistant Director, Office of Prevention, Early Intervention and Community Services, DMHAS.

Meeting attendees, who included trade association leaders, providers and other stakeholders, were asked to vote for the three top priorities of the 10 goals that the DMHAS Suicide Prevention Committee identified. The highest priority goals are:

1. Strengthen and expand community-based suicide prevention and postvention programs.

2. Improve access to community services for persons with mental health and substance use disorders.

3. Implement education for recognition of at-risk behaviors and delivery of effective treatment.

Several attendees expressed surprise that "developing and implementing strategies to reduce the stigma associated with being a consumer of mental health, substance use and suicide prevention services" did not become a top priority, based on the voting. However, the group agreed with comments that eliminating stigma should be the foundation for every goal and all of the objectives and action steps associated with the goals

"One way we can help eliminate stigma is to build into our vocabulary 'completing' suicide rather than 'committing' suicide and get away from the past perception that suicide is a sin or a crime," said Shauna Moses, Associate Executive Director, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA). "This can bring us a long way toward eliminating stigma against the illnesses of addictions and mental health disorders that lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors." Several attendees expressed agreement with this comment. One individual added that the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention promotes saying "die by suicide," which is probably easier to remember as it is more natural language, just like saying someone died from cancer or died in a car accident.

GCADA's Addiction Does Not Discriminate Campaign

While the DMHAS meeting was taking place, Neil Van Ess, Acting Chair of GCADA, and Celina Gray, Acting Executive Director, launched GCADA's Addiction Does Not Discriminate Campaign, which is the implementation of the first of many recommendations from GCADA's Task Force on Heroin and other Opiate Use by New Jersey's Youth and Young Adults. It includes billboard advertisements and a website, //knowaddiction.nj.gov/, which provides links to information about addictions, treatment and prevention resources, recovery support services, hotlines and helplines, and advocacy organizations.

"GCADA is also supporting alliances and other stakeholders to bring education and other resources to schools to make everyone aware of the important roles they must play in fighting drug abuse," Gray stated.

Visit www.njamhaa.org for more details.

Across New Jersey, a mental health crisis is brewing with potentially dire consequences. On the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for mental health services has increased exponentially. While providers of mental health services are working tirelessly to support community members through telehealth and a moderated return to in-person services, there are simply not enough licensed clinical social workers to meet the demand. At the same time, qualified mental health professionals stand ready to meet these needs, but cannot due to a significant backlog in issuing licenses. Applicants for licensure are waiting a minimum of three months, and some more than a year, for paperwork to make its way through a licensing system that is not working.

According to the National Association of Social Workers New Jersey (NASW-NJ), dozens of calls and e-mails from social workers who have passed the licensing exams and completed all necessary steps for licensure, but who cannot get responses from the licensing board (the State Board of Social Work Examiners [BSWE]), are received every day. They say applicants cannot reach anyone at the BSWE and their e-mails are going with response. One applicant shared that he/she passed the required exam in September 2020 and sent all the requirements by regular mail and e-mail to the BSWE, but has not received any correspondence to date and cannot reach anyone by phone.

Meanwhile, leadership at mental health agencies are struggling to hire to meet the increase in demand for their services. Adding to the problem of the BSWE backlog, there is a scarcity of testing sites, and long waits to be pre-approved for a testing site. These issues are seriously impacting providers' ability to hire and respond to demand for services.

It is imperative that the BSWE take whatever actions are necessary immediately so that licensure can be achieved within a reasonable time frame. Moreover, there must be transparency in the process, allowing applicants to see the status of their pending licensure and any missing information.

During its Annual Conference, Inspiring Progress, Seizing Opportunities, April 15-16, 2015, NJAMHAA held its Annual Courage & Compassion Awards Reception, welcomed new members to its Board and recognized Past Presidents and others who will be stepping down from the Board to pursue other endeavors in the mental healthcare or substance use treatment and advocacy field.


"The inspiring stories of our Courage and Compassion Award recipients invigorate all of us, giving us new energy to keep at the important work we do each day. Frontline providers, leaders and entire organizations throughout the NJAMHAA membership demonstrate such profound dedication to the children and adults they serve through the diverse and innovative programs they provide," NJAMHAA CEO Debra Wentz said. "Our members are further able to enrich people's lives thanks to the support we receive from legislators and other stakeholders who our Board President Deborah Megaro and I were equally delighted and honored to recognize."

Congratulations to the Following Award Recipients!
* Jennifer Velez, Esq., Former Commissioner, Department of Human Services: State Leadership for Enhancing Quality of Life Award:
* The Honorable Joseph Vitale, New Jersey State Senator: State Legislative Champion for Recovery from Addictions Award:
* Deborah Megaro, MS, MBA: NJAMHAA Board President
* Gordon Smith, President and CEO, National Association of Broadcasters
* Paula Sabreen, ACSW, LCSW, Former Executive Director, FAMILYConnections: Innovative Leader in Children's Services Award
* Peter Anderson, PhD, Associate Executive Director, Mental Health Clinic of Passaic: Outstanding Leadership in Children's Mental Health Services Award
* The Honorable Mary Pat Angelini, New Jersey State Assemblywoman: State Legislative Champion for Improving Treatment Award
* The Honorable Robert Gordon, New Jersey State Senator: State Legislative Champion for Parity Award
* The Honorable Chris Smith, U.S. Congressman: Federal Legislative Leader Award
* David Seegert, MSW, LCSW, Preferred Behavioral Health Group: Outstanding Direct Care Provider Award
* Linda Reynolds, MA, LCSW, Program Director, Adult Ambulatory Services, Department of Behavioral Health, Trinitas Regional Medical Center: Outstanding Leadership in Adult Mental Health Services Award
* Harbor House Partial Hospitalization Program, St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center: Outstanding Provider of the Year Award
* Paul Ressler, Founder, The Overdose Prevention Agency Corporation: Innovative and Inspirational Partner Award:
* Shauna Moses, Associate Executive Director, NJAMHAA: Employee of the Year Award

Infinite Gratitude to NJAMHAA's Past Board Presidents and Others Stepping Down from the Board
"The leadership and dedication of our Board has been instrumental in all of our successes and for a number of years, much of our Board has consisted of Past Presidents. This will change at the end of this Fiscal Year due to an Executive Board decision to allow for a streamlined Board structure with new leadership that will foster innovation. That's not to say that our seasoned executives are not innovative. They have continued to be visionary, passionate and energetic, which is exactly what NJAMHAA needs to tackle the many challenges facing our system," Dr. Wentz said. "In fact, our Past Presidents are so highly esteemed that we are not truly letting them go. We created a Past Presidents Council so we can continue to learn from them and gain valuable guidance from them throughout the remainder of their careers."

The Past Presidents are:
* J. Michael Armstrong, MA, MBA, CEO of Community Hope
* James M. Cooney, MSW, LCSW, CEO of Ocean Mental Health Services, Inc.
* Joseph Masciandaro, MA, CEO of CarePlus New Jersey, Inc.
* John Monahan, ACSW, LCSW, President and CEO of Greater Trenton Behavioral HealthCare
* Robert L. Parker, MPA, CEO of NewBridge Services, Inc.
* Victoria Sidrow, MPA, President and CEO of Vantage Health System

Dr. Wentz also recognized Robert N. Davison, MA, LPC, Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Essex County; Manny Guantez, PsyD, LCADC, NJAMHAA Board Vice President, and Vice President, Outpatient and Addiction Services, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care; and Linda Leyhane, CDA, Managing Director of Daytop Village at Crawford House, who will be stepping down from the Board to pursue other endeavors in the mental healthcare, substance use treatment and/or advocacy arenas.

Also Congratulations to NJAMHAA's FY 2016 Board Officers and At-Large Directors!
Also at the Annual Membership Meeting, NJAMHAA Board President Deborah Megaro, MS, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of Capitol County Children's Collaborative, announced the results of the FY 2016 Board election:

Board Officers
• President: Deborah Hartel, MSW, ACSW, Administrative Director, Behavioral Health Services, St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center
• Vice President : Anthony DiFabio, PsyD, Chief Executive Officer, Robins' Nest, Inc.
• Treasurer: Cheryl Marks Young, Chief Financial Officer, Easter Seals New Jersey
• Secretary: Harry Postel, MSW, LSW, Associate Executive Director of Operations, Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton

Slate of At-Large Directors
• Mary Jo Buchanan, LCSW, MPA, Chief Executive Officer, Ocean Partnership for Children, Inc.
• Robert Budsock, LCADC, Chief Executive Officer, Integrity House*
• Anthony Comerford, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer, New Hope Foundation, Inc.
• James McCreath, PhD, LCSW, Vice President, Behavioral Health/Psychiatry, Trinitas Regional Medical Center
• Peter Scerbo, LCSW, Executive Director, Comprehensive Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.*

* Denotes incumbent

• Send a letter to your local legislators. Click here to download a template letter for you to customize.

• Send a letter to your local media. Click here to download a template letter for you to customize.

• Visit this site to send a message to Governor Murphy. In the drop down box under Topic, select Addiction Services or Mental Health Services. Fill in the rest of the form with your contact information. In the Subject line, write FY21 Budget, and then paste the following text into the message box:

• Send a Tweet.Paste in the following message on Twitter:

• Call Governor Murphyat (609)-292-6000 and provide the following message:

ACTION ALERT! COLA Increase for Providers Gaining Momentum - Call Your Legislators Today!

NJAMHAA needs your help to secure a 5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for providers in the FY 2014 State Budget. Follow the link to our ACTION ALERT for more details: //conta.cc/17AEf06

Congressman Pallone (D-6th District) recently announced his introduction of the Medicare Prescription Drug Integrity Act of 2013. The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and NJAMHAA were invited to speak at the event. Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership, elaborated on the statistics of prescription drug misuse and abuse among all age groups and across the nation -- numbers that clearly show this is an epidemic.

For example, a study in the Annals of Epidemiology estimated that by 2020, nearly 2.7 millioni individuals age 50 and older will be abusing prescription drugs; this would be a 190 percent increase from 2001. In addition, in 2010, about 12 million Americans age 12 and older reported that they took prescription painkillers for nonmedical uses during the past year and in 2009, approximately 1 million emergency room visits could be attributed to prescription drug abuse, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Drug Abuse Warning Network, respectively.

"These statistics are quite striking. I am here to share equally compelling stories, but with a positive aspect: examples of successful treatment," said Shauna Moses, NJAMHAA's Associate Executive Director. She shared two examples - from Community Care Behavioral Health and New Hope Foundation, which are in Congressman Pallone's district -- of individuals' success in treatment for substance use disorders and other successes that became possible as a result

"These are just two of many examples of individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups who have been empowered to transform their lives through the treatment and support services they receive," Moses said.

Click here to see a clip of the event. NJAMHAA thanks the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey for creating this video.

"At NJAMHAA, our mission is to ensure access to services, which clearly work. We are proud to have a diverse membership offering a full continuum of services that enable individuals to live healthy, rewarding and productive lives. And we greatly appreciate legislative and policy initiatives in our state and federal governments that help make this possible," Moses said.

Congressman Pallone, the Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, wrote his bill to address the issue of Medicare paying for 30,000 prescriptions for controlled substances that were prescribed by unauthorized individuals. This issue was reported by a recent report from the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, "which also states that of these prescriptions, more than 7,000 were narcotics, such as oxycodone, which have the highest potential for abuse and can be diverted and resold for profit," as explained in a press release issued by Congressman Pallone's office.

"Prescription drug abuse is an epidemic, and in New Jersey, it is on the rise. Millions of Americans benefit from Medicare's drug coverage program each year, which is why it's imperative that checks are in place to prevent fraud and abuse as well as to protect patients. We cannot allow Medicare's prescription drug program to be compromised at taxpayer expense. My bill, the Medicare Prescription Drug Integrity Act of 2013, will strengthen the Medicare law to help address potential factors contributing to prescription drug abuse," Congressman Pallone said. Click here for details on this bill.

April Is Autism Awareness Month

April 8, 2021

In recognition of social struggles common among individuals with autism, Autism New Jersey and the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey (VNACJ) are partnering to provide vaccinations to state residents with autism and other developmental disabilities. This is because a majority of state-organized vaccination sites are located at mega-sites, including malls, which could be a barrier for people with autism spectrum disorder because of the anxiety that these social situations can create. VNACJ's Monmouth County Clinic in Holmdel hosts this special clinic that includes parking accommodations, limited wait times and special access to avoid public waiting areas.

"I admire the efforts that Autism New Jersey and the Visiting Nurse Association of Central New Jersey are taking to make it easier for individuals with autism to receive COVID-19 vaccinations," Debra L. Wentz, President and CEO of New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA). "Initiatives like this one, as well as education of the general population, are essential to help mitigate social anxiety and hopefully help prevent bullying, which are common experiences among people with developmental disabilities."

Autism is a complex, lifelong developmental disability that impacts a person's communicative abilities, self-regulation, relationships and social skills, which, in turn, affects the individuals' abilities to develop relationships with peers and family members. Symptoms include restricted or repetitive behaviors, such as intense interests, repeating sounds, phrases, movements and routines. A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that young adults with autism are often socially excluded and often do not see friends or receive invitations to social gatherings. The National Autistic Society identified some of the reasons for this exclusion as the communicative and social difficulties associated with autism and individuals with the disorder having prior negative experiences in social situations and are trying to prevent negative events, such as bullying, from occurring again.

Students with autism can experience bullying for being "special education students" or for characteristics that are associated with their disorder. Some individuals with autism are targeted because of an inability to recognize sarcasm and subtleties in speech, which results in an inability to defend themselves. There are also racial and ethnic disparities in the diagnosis of autism. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that more White children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder than Hispanic and Black children due to stigma, lack of access to healthcare services or a primary language barrier. These barriers can add to vulnerability among adolescents with autism as targets for bullying and could result in social isolation.

Children with autism who experience bullying can develop depression and anxiety as a result. However, some teenagers with autism who are bullied can become more aggressive, which can lead to uncontrollable, emotional outbursts. During these outbursts, the individuals can cause harm to others or to themselves. A study published in Autism Research finds that adolescents with autism spectrum disorder who experienced bullying were twice as likely to develop suicidal tendencies over time, compared to their peers. The study included 680 students between the ages of 13and 18 years old who were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and were receiving mental health services. Forty-four percent of the adolescents who reported bullying early in their treatment expressed that they experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

"Children with autism who experience bullying may have a difficult time expressing that they are being bullied due to their disorder. Additionally, the outbursts that a child with autism might have may not be connected to the sadness or anger that they feel because they are being bullied. Children with autism who are struggling with mental illness and do not have it addressed can camouflage these issues as adults, as well as their behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder, in order to fit into their communities," Dr. Wentz said. "This can be particularly damaging to a person's mental health and impact them as adults where they can continue to experience bullying in the workplace or feel isolated from their coworkers. Educating people about autism can lead to individuals with autism being treated with understanding and kindness, which can make a positive difference in their health and well-being."

April is Autism Awareness Month, which was created by the Autism Society of America to empower individuals with autism and to educate individuals about autism. This year's theme is "Inclusion in the Workplace: Challenges and Opportunities in a Post-Pandemic World". According to the United Nations, individuals with autism often experience discriminatory hiring practices, workplaces with obstacles that interfere with their job performance and workplace bullying. Not only can this result in unemployment and underemployment in the autism community, but it can also negatively impact mental health. In addition to creating inclusive and accommodating employment programs, it is important to educate individuals about autism, which can lead to more inclusivity and kindness.

"The Supreme Court's Decision today is a huge victory for New Jersey and the many hundreds of thousands of children and adults who need coverage and improved access to mental health and substance use treatment services" said CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D. With the Supreme Court ruling in favor of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), the major provisions of the law will now go forward as planned.

The ACA will implement several insurance coverage reforms that will expand coverage of uninsured and underinsured people. The Medicaid expansion and federal subsidies will reduce the number of uninsured New Jersey residents by approximately 800,000 from the 1.3 million residents currently uninsured. Strengthening of parity is a major provision of the ACA. The essential health benefits specifically lists mental health and substance use treatment services in addition to extending the provisions of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) into all plans within the health insurance exchanges and the Medicaid expansion, representing a significant step forward in ensuring that these critical services are available to New Jersey residents who need them.

"Access to services has always been a key issue; one in five people have a mental health issue and only 30 percent of them are able to access treatment, in addition nearly 800,000 people in New Jersey have a substance use disorder yet less than seven percent of them are able to access treatment. The expansion of insurance coverage, implementation of health insurance exchanges and the essential health benefits as well as the extension of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) will go a long way in closing the vast access to treatment gap for mental health and substance use disorders" said Wentz.

The ACA will also eliminate pre-existing denials of coverage; eliminate arbitrary lifetime and annual limits; extend coverage for young adults to remain on their parents insurance until the age of 26; close prescription drug coverage gaps for seniors; extend coverage to tens of millions of Americans; moderate to middle income families will receive tax-credit subsidies for health insurance premiums.

New Jersey's legislators must know that they can solve our state's fiscal challenges by ensuring continual investments into the community behavioral healthcare system.

At least $1 billion can be saved every year by funding cost-effective services that help avoid costly hospitalizations, emergency room visits, incarceration and homelessness. These are the services provided by members of NJAMHAA, the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies.

Share this vital message with your local legislators all year long - not just when a budget is about to be passed!

Need more details? Contact NJAMHAA's Director of Public Affairs, Randy Thompson, at 609-838-5488, ext. 225, or rthompson@njamhaa.org.

NJAMHAA 10:30am - 12:00pm

September 8, 2020

Virtual Conference October 21, 2020 Features Expert with Critical Advice

While the healthcare industry is expected to spend $65 billion from 2017 to 2021 on cybersecurity products, many hospitals will continue to be at risk of cyberattacks, which will cause damages that could cost as much as $6 trillion by next year. This is a significant increase from $3 trillion in 2015, according to an April 2020 report by Cybersecurity Ventures. The following statistics back up these predictions: The healthcare industry endured two to three times more cyberattacks in 2019 compared to other industries, and healthcare data breaches affected more than 41 million patient records last year, which equals a 196% increase from 2018.

"The amount of sensitive information held by healthcare organizations makes them more appealing to attackers and, therefore, more vulnerable," explained Daniel Eliot, Director of Education & Strategic Initiatives at the National Cyber Security Alliance. He added that the increased reliance on telemedicine raises additional security risks. "Connections should be secure and encrypted. From a small healthcare facility to the largest hospital, all are at the top of the list of targets," he stressed.

"There is a lack of investment in cybersecurity as a whole, whether it's not hiring qualified staff or not seeking information technology [IT] security vendors. One challenge of cybersecurity is that it's not as tangible as fire, flood and other threats. You can't see it and it sneaks up on you quickly," Eliot said.

To help organizations understand cybersecurity, make the best investments to reduce risk of cyberattacks and mitigate the impact of any invasions that may occur, Eliot will deliver the keynote presentation, Converting Awareness into Action: It Begins with Culture, during the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies' (NJAMHAA's) IT Project's conference, No Fooling: IT is Critical!, which will be held virtually on October 21, 2020.

According to Eliot, when companies invest in cybersecurity, there is often a misalignment of funding. "Many organizations spend a lot on technology, such as firewalls and virtual private networks, and believe they'll be secure. We underestimate the human elements and the need for
training. Once cybercriminals get past a firewall, employees click on harmful links in e-mails," he said, emphasizing that three elements are critical for having better security: employees who are well trained, solid processes and effective technology.

June Noto, NJAMHAA's Vice President of Information Technology, Human Resources and Administrative Services, reinforced the importance of training. "Education is the singular most important tool that any employer can implement. Sure, there are firewalls and routers, and anti-virus and anti-malware software, but nothing, except education and awareness, can protect end users from scammers," she said.

However, training and education are just part of the picture. The focus on cybersecurity needs to be integral to every organization's culture.

"Cybersecurity is a resilience-based topic, and these topics are not as sexy as generating leads or getting more customers or capital. Organizations tend to think of risk and resilience only one time a year or when something happens and they have to address it. Reducing risk and building resilience need to be part of every organization's culture," Eliot stated.

To further reinforce the importance of employee training and buy-in, Eliot stated, "It's not always malicious actors who bring threats to healthcare organizations. Sometimes, it's internal actors who make mistakes, for example, accidentally sending patient records to the wrong recipients. This happens a lot in health care. Organizations need to reduce risks inside their organizations, which are present in potential mistakes, as well as disgruntled employees and contractors."

Please visit www.njamhaa.org/events for links to details and online registration for the conference, No Fooling: IT is Critical!, which will be held virtually on October 21, 2020.

"When it comes to culture, compliance with laws, regulations and industry standards doesn't mean security, and employees' awareness doesn't necessarily mean they'll care," Eliot warned. During his presentation, he will explain how to develop and implement awareness campaigns that motivate individuals to help reduce risk. "Every employee has a role in protecting the enterprise. Everyone must be equipped with knowledge, tools and resources to do that," he stressed.

The temperatures are falling, and the days are growing shorter, signaling the approaching holiday season, which is typically portrayed as a joyful time to celebrate. Yet, reasons such as a loss of a loved one, end-of-year deadlines or family conflict can bring added stress during this season and prevent individuals from experiencing the perfect holiday they hope to have.

Although our economy has been on the rebound, that does not necessarily mean everyone's financial situation is following the same trend. The increased shopping that comes along with the holiday season can also cause serious distress for some people. Having these temporary feelings of anxiety or depression during this time of year is often referred to as the "holiday blues." These months can be especially trying for the many who already experience depressive symptoms.

"Symptoms of the holiday blues can include, but are not limited to loneliness, isolation, trouble concentrated, frustration and even fatigue," noted Debra Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMAA), "And often, people just feel overwhelmed."

NJAMHAA hopes that others can curb the holiday blues this season by following these tips:

Manage your realistic expectations. Often times, many individuals have impractical expectations of their holiday season. Setting reasonable goals that can be achieved during this season can help foster greater happiness.

Stick to your normal routines as much as possible to avoid unnecessary stress. This includes your regular sleeping, exercise, eating and drinking habits, which are easily set askew during the holidays.

Being aware of your own mental health can help you ascertain if you feel differently compared to earlier months. Uncharacteristic feelings or can manifest during the holidays (or anytime); if they are persistent, they should be taken seriously, since transitory problems can indicate larger underlying mental health conditions or lead to long-term conditions.

Create enough time for yourself. This will allow you to regroup from the bustling season and give you time to reflect on your own health or expectations during the holidays.

Following these tips during the holiday season (and throughout other seasons) can help you maintain good overall health and prevent the holiday blues. However, if the holiday blues do not pass and you need professional treatment, NJAMHAA encourages you to seek it; local providers can be found on our website: www.njamhaa.org.

Department of Human Services, 1st Floor Conf. Room

222 S. Warren St., Trenton, NJ 9AM - 1PM

For its first 65 years, the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc.'s (NJAMHAA's) membership has consisted solely of organizations: agencies that provide treatment and support services for individuals of all ages who have mental illnesses, substance use disorders and/or developmental disabilities. The trade association recently announced additional membership opportunities for full-time college students preparing for careers in these fields; clinical, financial and other professionals currently working in these industries; and individuals who have retired from these professions.

"We are proud of the partnerships we have with our members, as their experiences and insights contribute to the effectiveness of our advocacy on their behalf to decision makers in the state and federal governments. We are eager to expand our network and reinforce our impact on funding decisions, legislation and regulations that affect providers' ability to deliver their life-saving services," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA.

NJAMHAA also provides members with important information, such as updates on state and federal budgets and legislation, and training and networking opportunities.

Individual members will receive member discounts for NJAMHAA events and member publications. "Individuals members are also encouraged to participate in our open Board meetings where they gain more valuable opportunities to learn from their colleagues and guest speakers we frequently have from the State and other stakeholder organizations," Dr. Wentz added.


"For students, membership in NJAMHAA could open doors to internship and employment opportunities at our member provider agencies," Dr. Wentz said. "Students can network and explore career options with executives, program directors and other agency staff who may become their employers in the future."

To learn more about NJAMHAA, visit www.njamhaa.org. The membership application is available for download from the "Join NJAMHAA" page.

Applications can be sent to, and additional information can be obtained from, Su Fen Lubitz, Coordinator of Advocacy and Member Services, at NJAMHAA, 3575 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 102, Mercerville, NJ 08619; 609-838-5488, ext. 225; slubitz@njamhaa.org.

Suicide is the second and third leading cause of death among college and high school students, respectively. One of every 12 students seriously considers suicide and one in nine attempts it.

Nearly half of mental health disorders develop by the age of 14 and two-thirds of cases develop by the age of 25. However, only about 40 percent receive treatment. Without treatment, the risk of substance abuse and suicide increases.

Clearly, students must be educated about signs of mental health disorders and suicide risk, how to get help and to not feel shame about needing help. There must be no barriers to receiving the services they need.

The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) and Attitudes in Reverse® (AIR) invite you and your staff and colleagues to learn about essential resources to help students foster their mental health, recognize when they need help, know that treatment is effective and feel comfortable seeking treatment. We will present these resources and illustrate their effectiveness on September 10, 2013, which is National Suicide Prevention Day, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Department of Human Services' first floor conference room at 222 South Warren St., Trenton, NJ.

NJAMHAA represents 180 providers of mental healthcare, substance use treatment and support services. We advocate to state and federal government leaders for adequate funding and supportive legislation, and we provide training and other resources to maximize our members' abilities to serve everyone in need. The bottom line is we strive to ensure unimpeded access to behavioral health care. One major barrier is stigma, which both NJAMHAA and AIR aim to eliminate.

AIR educates students about the signs of mental health disorders and suicide risk and encourages them to seek help when needed. The presentation, Coming Up for AIR, is clearly effective. A high school student said, "Thank you for making me aware of the possibility that I could have a mental illness. After the AIR presentation, I got help and I got diagnosed with Depression and a Social Anxiety Disorder. So, thank you again for giving the presentation, ultimately helping me to make the decision to get help and save my life."

The lives of 14- to 25-year-olds depend on it.

Click here today to register for this free event.

October 19, 2020

A study from the National Institutes of Health found that individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) are more susceptible to COVID-19 and related complications. The findings of the study suggest that healthcare providers should monitor patients who have SUDs more closely and develop action plans to prevent severe outcomes and infections. People with an opioid use disorder and those with a tobacco use disorder were most likely to become ill with COVID-19. Click here to read more about this study. The authors of the study analyzed non-identifiable electronic health records (EHR) of millions of patients to reach these conclusions. These important findings were made possible from EHR's being implemented, which is what the State of New Jersey's SUD Promoting Interoperability Program (PIP) offers to SUD treatment providers to increase the bandwidth and capacity for treatment.

Beginning in May 2019, the SUD PIP initiative supports behavioral health providers by implementing EHR programs and technology in their facilities to improve coordination among providers and the rest of the healthcare system by increasing access to EHRs and promoting interoperability among them. The $6 million grant is also helping providers connect with other providers through the New Jersey Health Information Network, which is a shared services platform that provides the infrastructure for electronic sharing of patient health information among healthcare providers, health information exchanges and state health data sources. There is no cost to participate in the program and it also provides financial reimbursements for achieving various program milestones.

"Data sharing is essential for ensuring that individuals receive the highest quality services not only for substance use disorders, but also mental illnesses and physical health conditions. This funding is greatly needed and will enable the state's behavioral health system to make significant strides in combating the opioid crisis, as well as other drug addictions and mental illnesses, which are also highly prevalent in our state and nation," said June Noto, Vice President of Information Technology (IT), Human Resources and Administrative Services, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA).

Nonprofit and for-profit organizations and government entities are eligible to join the program. However, the organizations must be Medicaid providers with adjudicated claims from Medicaid. Participants must also be licensed by the Department of Health's Office of Licensing to provide SUD treatment prior to the start of participation in the SUD PIP and must be receiving funding from the Department of Human Services' Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services to provide treatment services through either cost-based contracts or the fee-for-service structure. Since the beginning of the program, among NJAMHAA members participating in the SUD PIP, is Somerset Treatment Services.

"We are really grateful to be part of the SUD PIP because it has enabled our agency to implement an EHR, even during a challenging time such as the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that the program really supports the work that are doing and we greatly appreciate it," said Barbara Schlichting, MSW, LCSW, LCADC, CPS, Executive Director of Somerset Treatment Services.

Jennifer D'Angelo, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Healthcare Division at the New Jersey Innovation Institute, will lead a workshop called "Why and How to Participate in the State's Substance Use Disorder Promoting Interoperability Program" at the NJAMHAA IT Project Annual Conference, No Fooling, IT Is Critical!, on October 21, 2020. She will discuss the program with interested providers and provide education about the value of this program. Please visit https://www.njamhaa.org/events to access a brochure for the conference and to register.

ACTION ALERT! COLA Increase for Providers Gaining Momentum - Call Your Legislators Today! NJAMHAA needs your help to secure a 5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for providers in the FY 2014 State Budget. Follow the link to our ACTION ALERT for more details: //conta.cc/17AEf06

Deadly drug overdose, especially from opioids, has increasingly become a major public health issue in recent years. According to the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services' (DMHAS) statistics for 2014, heroin and other opioids combined resulted in 49% of substance use treatment admissions in the state, and an analysis by NJ Advance Media has shown that the heroin overdose death rate in New Jersey is more than three times the national average.

Because of this crisis, U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Robert Menendez hosted a Forum on Addiction and Healing at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, which was recognized for its Opioid Overdose Recovery Program, earlier this month. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy made it a stop on his nationwide tour to educate communities about the dangers of opioids and encourage physicians to "Turn the Tide" on opioids when it comes to pain management.

This year's International Overdose Awareness Day, taking place on August 31, comes on the heels of these recent developments as opioids are involved in more than three out of five overdose deaths. This event, organized by the Australian public health non-profit Penington Institute, aims to raise awareness about overdose, as well as reduce the stigma associated with drug-related death.

The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) supports the awareness-building efforts of New Jersey's U.S. Senators and the Surgeon General on this International Overdose Awareness Day, and encourages others to become educated about the risk factors for overdose, learn how to identify an overdose, and spread awareness about the dangers of drug overdose. In its advocacy efforts, NJAMHAA supports federal and state legislation that will improve access to substance abuse treatment and recovery services. Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA, has stated that the association works to "ensure that evidence-based treatment and ongoing recovery support are readily available for everyone in need. It is heartening to see our federal leaders focusing on this critical issue as demonstrated by our state's U.S. Senators' recent forum, as well as last week's announcement of the Obama Administration's funding of initiatives to address the heroin and prescription opioid epidemic through public health and safety strategies."

According to the official event website, www.OverdoseDay.com, "Overdose Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable." The website provides resources to help community members prevent and identify overdose, including fact sheets, a wealth of informational and support links, and its "Overdose Aware" iPhone app.

The website also lists International Overdose Awareness Day events that are taking place all over the world, with several occurring in New Jersey. As New Jersey is in the grip of an epidemic of opioid abuse, it is especially critical that residents learn about overdose and become empowered to assist those struggling with addiction to opioids or other drugs.

NJAMHAA encourages residents to take advantage of the resources available through the International Overdose Awareness Day website, and to consider attending one of the events in our state on August 31. Additionally, residents can visit NJAMHAA's website (www.njamhaa.org) to find local providers who offer mental health and/or substance use disorder services.

"There are many benefits to [mental health] treatment. The critical factors are early recognition, action and access," wrote Shauna Moses, Associate Executive Director of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, in an op-ed piece that was published in The Times of Trenton (October 11, 2014). "Early recognition can happen only through education" and since some educators are not comfortable with the topic, "fortunately, there is a resource: Attitudes In Reverse," or AIR, a local nonprofit for which Moses serves as a Board member and Communications Director.

While AIR strives to overcome internal barriers to seeking care, Moses illustrates the external barriers in her article: the limits of the federal parity legislation; the scarcity of psychia-trists and, therefore, long waits for appointments; low reimbursement rates for providers who accept Medicaid and, as a result, the risk that even fewer providers will be available to meet the increasing need.

"The state's investment in these services directly translates into investment in New Jersey residents' lives," Moses wrote. "Much success can be achieved. The community-based system needs support to make it happen."

Visit //tinyurl.com/nelmh3m to read this entire article.

10AM - 2PM at NJAMHAA SOLD OUT

June Noto, Vice President of Information Technology, Human Resources and Administrative Services, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) today announced that the NJAMHAA IT Project has become a Champion of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) 2017. The IT Project will be joining a growing global effort among businesses, government agencies, colleges and universities, associations, nonprofit organizations and individuals to promote online safety awareness.

Recognized every October, NCSAM was created as a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure all digital citizens have the resources needed to stay safer and more secure online while also protecting their personal information. As an official Champion, NJAMHAA's IT Project demonstrates its commitment to cybersecurity, online safety and privacy.

Ms. Noto stated, "Cyber security is everyone's job! Whether you are a consumer, a business professional or even just someone who uses the Internet for any reason, everyone should be aware of what cyber criminals are after and what you can do to keep yourself, your family and your business safe."

Coordinated and led by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), NCSAM has grown exponentially since its inception, reaching consumers, small- and medium-sized businesses, corporations, educational institutions and young people across the nation and internationally. NCSAM 2016 was an unprecedented success, generating more than 2,260 unique news stories - an increase of 30 percent from NCSAM 2015's media coverage. Kicking off NCSAM's 14th year, this October presents a new opportunity to expand cybersecurity and privacy education and awareness globally.

"The Champion program is a vital part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month's ongoing success. Last year, 870 organizations joined - a 24-percent increase from the year before," said Michael Kaiser, NCSA's Executive Director. "We are thankful to our 2017 Champion organizations for their support and commitment to our shared responsibility of promoting cybersecurity and online safety awareness."

As part of its NCSAM efforts, the IT Project will be hosting another annual conference in February 2018 that highlights cyber security awareness, in addition to posting information on the NJAMHAA website.

For more information about NCSAM, the Champion program and how to participate in a wide variety of activities, visit staysafeonline.org/ncsam. You can also follow and use the official NCSAM hashtag #CyberAware on Twitter throughout the month.

NJAMHAA IT Conference May 2019
May 29, 2019

Keynote: Interoperability, Opportunity and the Future of Healthcare Technology
Van Ly, Senior Director Business Development New Jersey Innovation Institute

Workshop A: Domain Name Spoofing. What Is It? What Are the Risks & How to Prevent It
Janice Mahlmann, CEO August eTech

Workshop B: It's Not Just IT: Why Cybersecurity and Risk Management Needs a Multi-Disciplinary Approach
Robert Babin, Director IT Strategic Initiatives & CISO, St. Peters Healthcare System

Workshop C: HR Spotlight: Diversity in the Workplace
Andree Laney, Legal Advisor, Compliance & Training Employees Association of New Jersey

Workshop D: HIPAA: Getting Under the Hood with Your EHR Vendor
Marlowe Greenberg, CEO Foothold Technology

Workshop E: Get Smart: Use Power BI
Jerome Scriptunas, MS, MSW, Director QI & Technology Monmouth Cares
Amanda Thompson, MSW, Quality Manager Caring Partners of Morris/Sussex

Workshop F: HR Spotlight: Workplace Violence and Active Assailant Readiness: Leading from the Front Before a Tragedy
Jason Perry, CEO Trident Shield

Workshop G: The Promise of Cyber AI: Powering a Cyber Immune System
Brian Degen, Artificial Intelligence & Cyber Security Account Executive DarkTrace

Workshop H: Cybersecurity and the Threat Landscape
Ravi Ganesan, President and CEO Core Solutions

Workshop I: Defining Clinical Excellence in SUD Treatment Using Technology
Earl Lipphardt, Business Development Director Zoobook Systems LLC

Workshop J: Cyber-Threat Management: Evolving Compliance & Regulations-Are You Prepared?
Chris Mangano, Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercadien Technologies

Workshop K: Cyber-Attacks and the Impact of Regulatory Developments
Kyle Kuchera, Vice President Sales Zog, Inc.

Workshop L: Human Resource (HR) Spotlight: HR Compliance in 2019: What You Need to Know
Heather Carco, HR Business Partner ADP

Long-time NJAMHAA member Greater Trenton Behavioral HealthCare (GTBHC) recently hosted the Good Care Collaborative, a statewide initiative of the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers (CCHP), NJAMHAA's newest member, to promote the effectiveness of the Housing First model. GTBHC's Housing First model has achieved a 78 percent decline in annual hospital inpatient and emergency costs as reported in NJ Spotlight (October 1, 2014).

According to GTBHC President and CEO and NJAMHAA Board member John Monahan, "the key to ending chronic homelessness in the state is to break down the 'silos' that separate healthcare and other social programs and to make more efficient use of the money being spent on high-cost patients," as reported in NJ Spotlight.

"Too often housing is seen as something that you graduate to," after successfully participating in an addiction treatment program, rather than as a basis for treatment, according to Mark Humowiecki, Executive Director of the Good Care Collaborative. "Too many of our patients fail that program," he told NJ Spotlight.

Dr. Jeffrey Brenner, Executive Director CCHP, who launched the Good Care Collaborative, "said no medical program would be able to reduce the repeated hospital stays of homeless residents until they're in safe housing. He cited national figures that roughly 90 percent of Housing First recipients remain in their homes, while only 10 percent of those who stay in shelters have 'housing that works for them,'" NJ Spotlight reported.

Click here to read the entire NJ Spotlight article.

December 6, 2019

Earlier this month, Mary Abrams, NJAMHAA Sr. Policy Analyst, testified before Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Carole Johnson and her leadership team at DHS' budget listening session, which provides the opportunity for advocates, providers, family members and any member of the public to share their funding priorities for the Department's fiscal year 2021 budget (begins 7/1/2020). In its oral testimony, NJAMHAA highlighted the need for:
• Rates that cover the actual costs of providing services
• Increases to be able to better recruit and retain a qualified workforce and avoid wage compression in light of minimum wage increases
• Capital funding to support integrated care and electronic health record systems
• Fee-for-service supplemental funding to fill deficits while rates are studied
• Inflationary indexing of rates going forward.

NJAMHAA's written testimony provided more background as well as additional priorities, including finalizing work with the Department of Children and Families to increase the children's psychiatric assessment rate and establishing and funding a sustainability plan for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.

10 AM to 12 PM at NJAMHAA

Testimony

Click on the bill number to view NJAMHAA's testimony, and click on the bill synopsis to view information about the bill.

218th Legislative Session (2018-2019)

A-2391 - Concerns Early Intervention Support Services Program in DHS and Expansion of program to all counties.

A-4455 - Requires health insurance carriers to adhere to certain practices to protect health information related to sensitive services.

S-2559 - Exempts certain motor vehicles that are owned by certain nutrition programs and certain nonprofit organizations that offer social services from motor vehicle registration fees.

S-3314 - Requires DHS to ensure medication assisted treatment benefits under Medicaid program are provided without the imposition of prior authorization requirements

State Budget

Fiscal Year 2021

Department of Human Services Budget Testimony (December 2019)

10AM to 12PM at NJAMHAA

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

November 15, 2017

MERCERVILLE, NJ - Recent scientific findings suggest that people who have abnormalities in breaking down glucose have higher concentrations of the sugar in their brains, and worse symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, than the general population. While the exact relationship between blood glucose and Alzheimer's is unknown, findings like this bring scientists one step closer to developing a treatment for the disease that is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, deaths from Alzheimer's disease have climbed 89% between 2000 and 2014, and one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another dementia. The social cost of the disease is enormous, both from the financial and time burden it puts on caregivers, as well as the emotional toll it has on families.

The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) is a trade association representing nearly 160 New Jersey community-based providers of behavioral healthcare services, which can be found in every county statewide and serve about 500,000 individuals of all ages each year. NJAMHAA members treat many seniors who depend on Medicare and Medicaid, which are both vital programs that fund many treatments, medications, and other services for seniors who are suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Throughout the ongoing federal healthcare reform efforts, NJAMHAA has been a strong advocate for preserving these programs.

"As the incidences of Alzheimer's disease are on a steady rise, NJAMHAA continues to advocate for the preservation of government programs that assist afflicted seniors and their caretakers in obtaining the high quality of care they require," said Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., President and CEO of NJAMHAA. "With an aging population, the United States will experience an increasing financial burden of caring for people with Alzheimer's disease. While there is still no cure, the services covered by Medicare and Medicaid are essential to improving the quality of life for the seniors who have the condition. NJAMHAA regularly communicates with our Congressional representatives to urge them to preserve public health services for vulnerable populations, including the elderly."

The United States recognizes each November as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. This acknowledgement of the disease and its impact on families and society was first designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, when fewer than two million Americans suffered from the disorder. Today, according to the Alzheimer's Association, that number is around 5.4 million, and projected to increase to 16 million by 2050. President Reagan himself died of Alzheimer's disease in 2004. In New Jersey alone, nearly 2,000 individuals died from Alzheimer's disease in 2014.

In his statement on National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, President Donald Trump said: "The United States Government is committed to supporting cutting-edge research that will help people with Alzheimer's through activities such as the National Institutes of Health's Brain Research, through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative, and the Exceptional Unconventional Research Enabling Knowledge Acceleration (EUREKA) prize competitions. Congress endorsed both of these efforts last year in the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act. In addition, this past month, the Department of Health and Human Services convened a national research summit focused on improving quality of care, services, support systems, and outcomes for people suffering from dementia and their caregivers."

NJAMHAA is closely watching these and other federal and state initiatives and will continue to advocate for services for people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. NJAMHAA member agency Trinitas Regional Medical Center, in collaboration with the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging (NJISA) at the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, operates the Statewide Clinical Outreach Program for the Elderly (S-COPE), which provides crisis response and clinical outreach to older adults (55+) residing in nursing facilities who experience mental health and/or behavioral crises. Last week, the S-COPE program held its sixth annual conference, which was attended by Shauna Moses, NJAMHAA's Vice President for Public Affairs and Member Services.

"As an issue that affects all too many seniors in New Jersey, dementia care was a prominent topic of discussion at the S-COPE conference," Moses said. "It is encouraging to see so many behavioral health professionals invest time in learning about the specific needs of the elderly and strive to improve their care."

10AM to 12PM at NJAMHAA

Registration @ 8AM Training @ 8:30AM to 3:30PM RWJ Hamilton Fitness Ctr

October 19, 2017

MERCERVILLE, NJ - The behavioral healthcare industry in New Jersey-with the ongoing transition to fee-for-service billing, the upcoming change to value-based reimbursement, the transfer of mental health and addiction services from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Health, and Governor Christie's new initiatives to address the opioid epidemic-has been shifting rapidly. Through these systemic changes that aim to improve quality of care for the state's most vulnerable residents, the industry relies on the leadership, insights, and advocacy of individuals who take charge of ongoing changes and make a difference in improving understanding of and access to vital services.

The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) is a statewide trade association representing nearly 160 organizations that serve New Jersey residents with mental illnesses, substance use disorders and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities, and their families. To recognize the leaders who make a positive difference for behavioral health in New Jersey, NJAMHAA will present awards during the lunchtime ceremony of its upcoming Fall Behavioral Healthcare Meeting, Shaping Our Future, which will be held on October 24, 2017 from 9:00 AM to 4:15 PM at the Pines Manor in Edison. The luncheon will take place from noon to 1:15 PM.

NJAMHAA will honor Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon (R-Monmouth) with the State Leadership in Substance Use Services award, for sponsoring landmark legislation earlier this year which expanded substance use treatment access and limited opioid prescriptions; activist and author Jay Lassiter, with the Truth in Media award for his awareness-raising in his weekly program on 101.5 FM, Heroin Uncut: The Truth about the Crisis; and Rosemarie Rosati, who recently retired from her position as Chief Operating Officer of Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC), with the Leadership in Mental Health and Substance Use Services award for her years of dedication and excellence in treating people in need and advocating on their behalf.

Assemblyman O'Scanlon represents the 13^th Legislative District and had sponsored the Assembly version of the legislation (A3) that requires insurers to provide treatment for substance use disorders, and limits initial opioid prescriptions to five-day supplies, which was signed into law earlier this year. He also sponsored bills that would establish a New Jersey Suicide Prevention Advisory Council, prohibit transfer of individuals with developmental disabilities from out-of-state to in-state placements under certain conditions, and require healthcare practitioners to inform patients of the addiction risk presented by certain medications prior to issuing prescriptions. Assemblyman O'Scanlon has also been an outspoken advocate for people with addiction, referencing his own family's tragedy to inform his compassion and decision-making.

Jay Lassiter is an activist, political consultant, and host of the weekly podcast Heroin Uncut: The Truth about the Crisis, presented on statewide radio 101.5 FM. Through this program, Lassiter aims to give listeners an honest look at the heroin addiction crisis. Lassiter is outspoken in favor of harm reduction strategies, such as needle exchanges, and is open about being a person in recovery.

Rosemarie Rosati has been a member of NJAMHAA for many years, and had co-chaired NJAMHAA's Hospital-Based Committee. In her nearly 20 years at Rutgers UBHC, she championed adherence to integrated evidence-based practices throughout the agency's broad spectrum of programs, and served as a role model and inspiration for both coworkers and the individuals that UBHC served.

NJAMHAA is proud to celebrate these three individuals who strive to improve treatment for substance use and mental health disorders, as well as increase education, expand access to services and reduce stigma surrounding those diseases. For the pervasive problem of addiction, advocates are needed in every corner of the state and in multiple public spheres to deliver messages of recovery and push for legal and cultural changes. NJAMHAA recognizes the individuals who make a difference every year at its Fall Behavioral Healthcare Meeting.

The Fall Behavioral Healthcare Meeting is an annual conference that offers agency executives, mid-level managers, and clinical staff opportunities to meet with fellow professionals at a wide range of human services organizations across New Jersey; discuss ideas for making every aspect of their businesses better; and enhance their clinical effectiveness. Industry leaders will offer engaging educational sessions to present their insights on strategies to help behavioral health agencies stay on top of market trends and improve their efficiencies and bottom lines.

NJAMHAA works to advance the behavioral health industry in New Jersey. The Fall Behavioral Healthcare Meeting is an exciting initiative that helps build the state's behavioral health community by offering a day filled with educational opportunities and networking in one place at a low cost.

For details and to register, please visit www.njamhaa.org/events. Walk-in registrants are welcome: the cost is $150 for NJAMHAA members and $255 for non-members.

As we approach the 15th anniversary of the tsunami that claimed the lives of more than 30,000 individuals in Southeast Asia, NJAMHAA
and its related entity, the New Jersey Mental Health Institute (NJMHI), remember the tragic loss of lives, the immediate and
long-lasting toll on mental health and the efforts NJMHI has undertaken to support the Sri Lanka population.

Please click here for details.

10AM to 12PM at NJAMHAA

10AM to 12PM at NJAMHAA

10AM to 12PM at NJAMHAA

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandate for ICD-10 Diagnosis and PCS codes implementation has arrived. All providers are required to transition to the new ICD-10 codes and exclusively use only these new codes for date of service/date of discharge beginning October 1, 2015.

"Have you prepared?"

The State of New Jersey Medicaid will follow the CMS guidelines and deny all claims not using the new ICD-10 codes if the date of service/date of discharge is October 1, 2015 or later. All claims with service dates September 30, 2015 or earlier must use the ICD-9 codes.

A new "ICD-10 Resource" web page is available on the Medicaid NJMMIS web site at www.njmmis.com under the "Headlines" tab. Information such as Newsletters, Alerts, Frequently Asked Questions about ICD-10, and many useful links can be found to assist the provider community in understanding and implementing the use of the newly mandated ICD-10 code set.

10AM - Noon.

10AM to 12PM at NJAMHAA

Webinar May 26, 2016 10AM

10AM - 2PM at NJAMHAA

MERCERVILLE (February 15, 2017) - Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D, President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA), applauds the New Jersey State Legislature for passing Senate Bill 3 and Governor Chris Christie for signing it into law. The provisions of this bill are essential for helping to both prevent and treat addiction to opioids, which has reached severe epidemic proportions in New Jersey.

This important legislation mandates up to six months of health insurance coverage for inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment "when determined medically necessary by the covered person's physician, psychologist or psychiatrist without the imposition of any prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements." The law also places certain restrictions on prescribing opioids and requires certain notifications to and education of patients or their parents when opioids are being prescribed.

"The guaranteed coverage for treatment is a major step toward achieving full parity of insurance coverage for substance use treatment, a goal that is equally critical for individuals with mental health disorders," Dr. Wentz said. In fact, 60 percent of individuals with substance use disorders also have mental illnesses. Discrimination in insurance coverage for these services and other barriers to accessing services must be eliminated to maximize individuals' opportunities to live healthy and productive lives.

The new law, which mandates that providers consider information from the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to inform their prescribing decisions and requires certain healthcare professionals to receive training on prescribing opioid medications, also makes a significant contribution to the effort to eliminate stigma, which is the second most common reason, following lack of health insurance, why individuals do not seek or receive treatment when they need it.

Dr. Wentz stated, "This bill demonstrates the Administration's recognition that substance use disorders are medical illnesses, which, along with mental health disorders, must be treated the same - both clinically, and in attitude - as physical health conditions. Governor Christie has been a staunch advocate for substance use treatment and his consistently anti-stigma approach is a benefit to everyone with a substance use disorder."

***

The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) is a statewide trade association representing 160 organizations that serve New Jersey residents with mental illness and/or substance use disorders, and their families. Our members - nearly 98 percent of behavioral healthcare providers in New Jersey - may be found in every county and almost every community statewide. They serve more than 500,000 children and adults each year and contribute to the economy through 61,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The NJAMHAA mission is to promote the value of its members as the highest quality behavioral healthcare providers for the residents of New Jersey through advocacy and professional development.

10AM - Noon.

Long-time NJAMHAA member Greater Trenton Behavioral HealthCare (GTBHC) recently hosted the Good Care Collaborative, a statewide initiative of the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers (CCHP), NJAMHAA's newest member, to promote the effectiveness of the Housing First model. GTBHC's Housing First model has achieved a 78 percent decline in annual hospital inpatient and emergency costs as reported in NJ Spotlight (October 1, 2014).

According to GTBHC President and CEO and NJAMHAA Board member John Monahan, "the key to ending chronic homelessness in the state is to break down the 'silos' that separate healthcare and other social programs and to make more efficient use of the money being spent on high-cost patients," as reported in NJ Spotlight.

"Too often housing is seen as something that you graduate to," after successfully participating in an addiction treatment program, rather than as a basis for treatment, according to Mark Humowiecki, Executive Director of the Good Care Collaborative. "Too many of our patients fail that program," he told NJ Spotlight.

Dr. Jeffrey Brenner, Executive Director CCHP, who launched the Good Care Collaborative, "said no medical program would be able to reduce the repeated hospital stays of homeless residents until they're in safe housing. He cited national figures that roughly 90 percent of Housing First recipients remain in their homes, while only 10 percent of those who stay in shelters have 'housing that works for them,'" NJ Spotlight reported.

Click here to read the entire NJ Spotlight article.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015, 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

10AM to 12PM at NJAMHAA

1PM - 3PM.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015, 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

10AM to 12PM at NJAMHAA

10AM - Noon

During the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies' (NJAMHAA's) recent Fall Behavioral Healthcare Meeting, Focusing on a Bright Future by Strengthening Behavioral Healthcare, CEO Debra Wentz, PhD, honored several individuals for their diverse, profound contributions to the behavioral healthcare system and the individuals who depend on and benefit from it.

Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman (D-15th District), State Legislative Leader Award for Community Provider Support: "All of Assemblywoman Watson-Coleman's initiatives demonstrate her focus on ensuring that providers have safe environments and greater opportunities to deliver quality treatment. As a genuine member of our community, she is a true leader, always fighting in the trenches for improving life for all New Jerseyans. Among the hundreds of key bills that she has taken the lead on, especially near and dear to NJAMHAA members is the fact that Assemblywoman Watson-Coleman was a prime sponsor of the budget resolution adding a 1 percent recurring Cost of Living Adjustment, or COLA, to the Fiscal Year 2015 state budget for community providers," Dr. Wentz said.

David Matthau, State House News Reporter, New Jersey 101.5, Truth in Media Award: "David has provided extensive and straightforward coverage of news relating to mental health and substance use disorders. I also appreciate that he has reached out to NJAMHAA many times for interviews, most notably for his series on children's mental health in August 2013. We applaud David for his open mindedness, initiative and professionalism in addressing this vital issue and hope it leads to more people learning about mental health and giving them the knowledge and resources they need to save their own lives and the lives of others. David Matthau exemplifies balance in reporting as he presents the facts, but with compassion and the desire to truly educate," Dr. Wentz said.

Dr. Jeffrey Brenner, Executive Director of the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers, Award for Large-Scale Impact through Collaboration: "Dr. Brenner is renowned for his hotspotting project and achieving significant savings in healthcare costs by focusing on the highest users of hospital care in Camden. He also established the Good Care Collaborative, a coalition of providers and advocates who are studying and promoting numerous models of good care delivery and will develop and advocate for Medicaid reform. Even before this latest initiative, Dr. Brenner demonstrated an excellent collaborative spirit. One of the most notable examples was his reaching out to meet with us to discuss the legislation he developed for the Medicaid Accountable Care Organization demonstration project and his agreement to increase the required number of behavioral healthcare providers in ACOs. We are especially appreciative of Dr. Brenner's understanding that access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment is a huge cost saver and his open mindedness in learning more how vital the work our members do is to the future of health care, Dr. Wentz said.

Assemblyman Troy Singleton (D-7th District), State Legislative Leader Award for Ensuring True Parity: "We are honoring Assemblyman Singleton to express our appreciation of his efforts and support for individuals who need treatment for mental illnesses and substance use disorders. He was the first to take the lead in reaching out to the Department of Banking and Insurance to ask about the provisions of parity for substance use and mental health care being implemented as intended to increase access to treatment. He always is proactive and helpful, and asks the right questions and takes action, fulfilling all his promises," Dr. Wentz said.

Jim Lape, Vice President of Behavioral Health and Senior Services, Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Lifetime Leadership in Behavioral Health Award: "I am delighted to present this award to Jim in honor of his inspiring work, unmatched knowledge of the behavioral health system and profound impact on providers, communities and the people they serve. Throughout his career of more than 30 years, he has always been very creative in policy and program development, and always ahead of the curve in reading trends and strategically operationalizing them on the local level. Always, he challenged the status quo and was proactive and hands on …a leader who got things done. He has added enormous value to the NJAMHA membership as a Board member and Chair of the Hospital Based Committee, and he has certainly contributed tremendously to the entire healthcare system," Dr. Wentz said.

Senator Robert Singer (R-30th District), State Legislative Leader Award for Addressing the Heroin Epidemic: "In light of the heroin crisis we are in the midst of in our state and across the nation, it is encouraging to have a leader in our State Senate tackling this tragic issue. Most recently, Senator Singer sponsored two of the 21 bills designed to address this crisis. Senate Bill 2375 proposes licensure of ambulatory care facilities to provide integrated primary care services, including behavioral health care. This bill would achieve even greater benefits by helping all individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Senate Bill 2378 proposes extending the Overdose Prevention Act's immunity provisions to certain professionals and professional entities, and permitting needle exchange programs to obtain standing orders for the opioid antidote. Clearly, Senator Singer's efforts are making a significant impact on a major issue affecting many people throughout our state and nation," Dr. Wentz said.

Senator James Whelan (D-2nd District), State Legislative Leader Award for Community Provider Support: "Among his many accomplishments is the passage of a law that provides equity in long-term care funding so seniors are not forced into nursing homes, and sponsorship of numerous bills on behalf of disabled veterans. Of special note to NJAMHAA providers is his being prime Senate sponsor of the budget resolution that adds a 1 percent recurring COLA to the Fiscal Year 2015 state budget for community providers," Dr. Wentz said.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed many things for behavioral health service providers and the individuals they serve. At the beginning of the pandemic, providers rapidly shifted to provide telehealth services and NJAMHAA has been working to ensure that policy and waivers were in place to support that. With the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and the rise of the Delta variant, one thing is certain: Behavioral health providers cannot simply return to how things were before the pandemic; they must move forward in a new paradigm. Providers can learn what they can do to move forward by attending the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies' (NJAMHAA's) 2021 Fall Conference, No Going Back, Moving Forward in a New Paradigm, on October 13, 2021.

NJAMHAA is grateful for the generous support of the conference sponsors: Mutual of America Financial Group, Ocean Partnership for Children, PerformCare New Jersey, Acenda Integrated Health, We Work for Health New Jersey, New Jersey Innovation Institute, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, HMH Carrier Clinic, Integrity House, The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities and Oaks Integrated Care.

Program highlights include a keynote presentation, The Decade of 2020: This Is our Moment, by Susan Dreyfus, BA, of Susan Dreyfus Consulting, and a plenary session featuring Valerie Mielke, MSW, Assistant Commissioner of the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, sharing her vision for services in the future. See more detailed highlights below or click here for all program details and to register.

Keynote Launches Conference with Insights into Trends and Making the Most of Them
A very compelling and fitting start to the conference will be a keynote presentation, The Decade of 2020: This Is our Moment, by Susan Dreyfus, BA, of Susan Dreyfus Consulting. Dreyfus will identify the current trends and issues in the behavioral health field.

When determining whether a trend is long-standing or a "fad", Dreyfus watches for three things - the trend's staying power, how innovative the trend is and how policymakers, influencers and the media are beginning to discuss it. "If I were a CEO or board member today, I wouldn't watch trends only to see if they are real or not. I would begin having generative discussions with my team, board and other partners now so we can think, plan and move as adaptively and quickly as possible. Even if the trend doesn't move forward, there is always something to learn and consider," says Dreyfus.

Participants will gain insight into strategies and current trends to which providers should pay close attention. Dreyfus says healthcare reform is "the biggest disruptive force to influence behavioral health for the foreseeable future." She stresses that disruption is not always negative and can be positive. "If we can truly get this right as a nation and understand what it is that creates health beyond primary care, we will not only bend the cost curve of health care, but we will also have healthier people and communities through the lens of equity, especially race equity. This will build our nation's greatest economic resource, which is our human capital."

Another item that Dreyfus will discuss during her keynote speech is the eight accelerants of differentiated and influential social sector organizations. She says that when the eight accelerants are combined, they create "the combustion to lift [the behavioral health] field and sector to higher impact." While all eight of the accelerants are important, the one that Dreyfus says can keep her up at night and is probably making the 2020s "our moment" is an organization's board of directors. "I see in too many organizations 20th-century governance models in a 21st-century world," she adds.

DMHAS Leader to Share Newly Implemented and Planned Services
During the plenary session, Valerie Mielke, MSW, Assistant Commissioner of the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (DMHAS), will also discuss trends that will shape the future of mental health and substance use treatment, including what may be expected of the 1115 waiver and how New Jersey will implement the 9-8-8 crisis response system, which is required by federal law to be operational by July 2022. She will also explore areas that DMHAS might be moving toward, such as value-based purchasing, recovery services and integrated care.

Workshops to Provide Variety of Important Knowledge and Skills
In addition to the insightful keynote presentation and afternoon plenary, the Fall Conference offers workshops that will further guide attendees in moving forward. Topics include peer workforce mentoring, actionable approaches to staff recruitment and retention, neuromodulation, and integration of primary and behavioral health care.

Click here for all program details and to register.

10AM to 12PM at NJAMHAA

Individuals with mental illnesses die an average of 25 years earlier than the general population, and those with co-occurring substance use disorders die an average of 37 years earlier. They also often experience co-occurring health conditions.

Integration of primary and behavioral health care can change this. Click here to view an infographic from the SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions that explores the problem and illustrates the impact on communities and individuals, as well as the impact of integrated care provided by community-based services.

1PM - 3PM

10AM to 12PM at NJAMHAA

10AM - Noon

March 15 to 21 Is Brain Awareness Week

March 15, 2021

While there are things that currently remain unknown about COVID-19, it is known that it impacts mental health and brain health. Research from the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago has found that neurological complications of COVID-19 resemble immune-mediated patterns of disease that involve nerves, the spine and the brain. Susan Palasis, MD, who is Division Head of Neuroradiology at the hospital, stated that attention to the neurological effects of COVID-19 can facilitate accurate diagnosis, mitigate disease and prevent morbidities and mortalities. Additionally, imbalances in neurotransmitters can cause issues such as loss of mental focus (also called "brain fog"), fatigue and insomnia. These are also symptoms that are associated with individuals who have or are recovering from COVID-19. Therefore, it is important to consider the brain when thinking about COVID-19.

Another neurological impact of COVID-19 is mental health. Happiness, enthusiasm, resilience and optimism involve the ventral striatum, amygdala and the orbitofrontal cortex of the brain. Studies show that people with higher levels of ventral striatum activity show greater levels of well-being and lower levels of cortisol, which is a steroid hormone that is associated with stress. With lower cortisol levels means there are lower levels of anxiety. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine, gamma-Aminobutyric acid (or GABA), serotonin and glutamate, are also involved in positive emotional processing. Therefore, neurotransmitters can also have an impact on mental health. For example, in schizophrenia, there is an impairment of dopamine-containing neurons that result in disturbances in thinking and emotional reactions. Neurotransmitters can also play a role in the development of substance use disorders. For example, opiates mimic peptide substances in the brain that act as neurotransmitters called endorphins, which cause sensations of pleasure and sleepiness. The substances are then needed to replace endorphins that would otherwise be naturally produced in the brain.

"Brain health is integral to mental health. Wellness interventions, such as exercise, mindfulness, nutrition, social connectivity and sleep, can promote resilience in the brain. Wellness and resilience can result in adaptive stress responses, rapid stress recovery and low susceptibility to stress-related psychopathy. Interventions in areas of wellness can benefit some clinical situations related to the brain. With what we know and with what we may discover about COVID-19, these practices should be considered to promote recovery. That is why it is critical to consider brain health while addressing the impacts of COVID-19," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA).

Brain Awareness Week will take place from March 15^th to March 21^st this year. Brain Awareness Week was founded by the European Dana Alliance for the Brain and the Dana Alliance for Brain Awareness in 1996 with the goal of bringing academics, government, advocacy organizations and professional organizations together to discuss brain research for treatment and prevention, as well as potential cures for brain and neurological diseases and disorders. The goal of this collaboration is to ensure better quality of life for individuals of all ages. The Dana Alliance for Brain Awareness partners with universities, hospitals, medical research facilities, schools, corporations and other organizations for Brain Awareness Week. During this week, partners are asked to present their perspectives and messages about the brain, such as an interest in a specific disease or disorder, concern for early childhood development or a focus on aging. Organizations that would like to partner with the European Dana Alliance for the Brain and the Dana Alliance for Brain Awareness or who are interested in learning more about Brain Awareness Week can click here.

10AM to 12PM at NJAMHAA

9:30AM to 3:30PM at NJAMHAA

1:30PM - 3:30PM

Community-based services for mental health, substance use disorders (SUD) and intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) have endured chronic underfunding for decades. The resulting challenges for children and adults in need to access these critical services have been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic and the trauma resulting from heightened awareness of social injustice. Some providers have needed to reduce services due to the limited funds also having to be used for new expenses, such as personal protective equipment for staff and clients, retrofitting of their facilities to meet social distancing guidelines, and additional cleaning and sanitizing supplies.

"The demand for services has increased exponentially as a result of uncertainty, isolation, unemployment and loss stemming from the pandemic and the impact of social inequities, the trauma of which has resurfaced for many due to recent incidents of violence against Black, Indigenous and People of Color," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies.

Recently reported statistics further underscore the critical need for both maintained and increased funding in the FY2021 State Budget. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a report issued last week, one in four young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 reported having considered suicide in the past month because of the pandemic, and more than 40 percent of those surveyed indicated they have experienced a mental or behavioral health condition connected to the COVID-19 emergency.

Stress on families, including children, has increased significantly during the pandemic. For example, according to research published in Pediatrics, 27% of parents experienced mental health declines and 14% reported children's worsened behavioral health since March.

"The tremendous rise in demand for mental healthcare and addiction treatment services that is occurring during the pandemic is expected to continue long after the state of emergency is determined to be over," Dr. Wentz stated. She explained that many individuals with mental illnesses and SUDs have experienced worsening of these health conditions and many others have developed these illnesses during the pandemic. Furthermore, the negative mental health impact of the crisis will be long-lasting for many people and symptoms may not surface for several more months.

"New Jersey's budget must maintain funding for behavioral health services for all children and adults with disabilities and increase funding to cover additional safety-related costs that providers have incurred, and to expand capacity to meet the growing need. If sufficient funding is not provided, tens of thousands of individuals will not receive treatment or will seek it in emergency rooms. This preventable outcome will cost the state tens of thousands of dollars more than the highly effective community-based services," Dr. Wentz stressed.

10AM to 12PM at NJAMHAA

10:00AM to 12:30PM at NJAMHAA

10AM - Noon

10AM to 12PM at NJAMHAA

9:30AM to 3:30PM at NJAMHAA

A long sought after Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of $13.2 million for community providers has been included in the State Legislature's Budget Bill. Please take one-minute and send an e-mail to your legislative reps to ask them to support this provision. Click here: //conta.cc/14l7TAp

10AM - Noon

August 18, 2021

Just a few weeks after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, the citizens of Haiti are facing much more devastation from an earthquake that claimed the lives of nearly 1,300 individuals, seriously injured at least 5,700 people and left thousands more displaced due to total destruction of their homes or other serious damage, as of Monday, August 16th. As anticipated, yet another major storm, Tropical Storm Grace, hit the Caribbean nation later on Monday, increasing the numbers of deaths to nearly 2,000 and injured to 7,000 and causing more trauma before Haitians had a chance to begin coping with impact of the earthquake.

Meanwhile, Haiti is still striving to recover from an earthquake that occurred in 2010 and Hurricane Matthew in 2016. The nation also continues to struggle with the coronavirus pandemic, poverty, drugs and gangs.

"These dire circumstances undoubtedly have and will continue to have profound, long-lasting impacts on the mental health of individuals throughout Haiti. Depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders, as well as substance use, are likely to not only develop, but also worsen as Haiti has a severe shortage of mental healthcare and addiction treatment providers," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc.

"The shock of unpredictable disasters and their devastating consequences often lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder and a lack of hope resulting from the loss of parents, other loved ones, homes, jobs and other aspects of stability that survivors had prior to these horrific events," Dr. Wentz said.

"As we have seen with other natural crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as man-made disasters, such as 9/11, the full continuum of behavioral healthcare services must always be available for everyone. There are both immediate and lingering impacts on individuals' mental health, which could include substance use, that need to be identified and addressed as soon as possible. The earlier treatment can begin, the more significantly risk can be reduced of these disorders becoming severe and potentially leading to death by suicide or overdoses," Dr. Wentz emphasized.

"NJAMHAA exhorts disaster recovery specialists, mental healthcare and substance use treatment counselors, and other healthcare providers to provide any support they can to Haiti through an international relief effort. Tragedies such as the earthquake affect everyone in our global community, and it is imperative to help each other in such difficult times, especially where healthcare resources are so terribly lacking," Dr. Wentz stated.

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From Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer,
New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc.

The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. joins the nation in feeling deep sympathy for the victims and survivors of the tragic shooting that occurred in Orlando, FL, earlier this week. Always we must remember that a crime against any individual or group is a crime against us all because we are all part of the same human race.

Traumatic incidents impact both those who were directly involved and others who either know people directly affected, or read or hear about the situation. The violent nature of the tragedy can cause people, whether close to or physically distant from the incident, to feel unsafe, especially when they are exposed to repeated images of the incident on television, newspapers and social media.

Self-care is especially important to foster coping during such difficult times. The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies recommends getting enough rest; eating and drinking healthfully; monitoring alcohol and tobacco use; exercising; sharing feelings with trusted friends or expressing them in writing; and having quiet time (e.g., meditating, praying, listening to music).

If you or someone you care about is having difficulty coping, a mental health professional should be contacted. Whether an individual is struggling with mild depression or anxiety, or experiencing a crisis, there are services available and proven effective to help work through these difficulties and either prevent or manage mental illnesses. Early identification and treatment of mental health disorders are essential.

Stigma is the most common reason why many people do not seek help and the reticence may be even more likely among individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) due to the discrimination they often face due to their gender identities. It is critical for everyone who needs help to receive it as soon as possible because delayed or lack of treatment can lead to the development of serious mental illnesses and risk of suicide. In fact, the risk of suicide is particularly high among trans and gender non-conforming individuals: 41 percent of this population has attempted suicide, compared to between 10 and 20 percent of lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals and 4.6 percent of the overall U.S. population, according to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, conducted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Williams Institute (published in January 2014).

Unimpeded access to treatment is critical. New Jersey and the nation must invest sufficiently in community-based mental health and substance use services for the well-being of people of all ages, so when there are crises of major impact or everyday needs, people have ready access to services.

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2PM - 4PM

"When I started as County Executive, we handed out Section 8 vouchers to put people in hotels. The system was broken. We want to put everyone in a house the day he becomes homeless," said Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes during a recent "Ending Homelessness" press conference at Greater Trenton Behavioral HealthCare (GTBHC). Hughes is one of many supporters of the Mercer Alliance to End Homelessness that has made great strides toward their mission. Alliance supporters also include other county officials, state and federal officials and numerous other individuals, including John Monahan, ACSW, LCSW, President & CEO of GTBHC and a member of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies' (NJAMHAA's) Board of Directors.

Mercer County's system clearly has been fixed, based on the following statistics, provided by Marygrace Billek, Director of the Mercer County Department of Human Services:

* Long-term homelessness of individuals was reduced by 68 percent since 2007 through the Housing First program.

o More than 287 individuals, most with mental health or substance use disorders, were served with housing and services to address their mental health disorders, addictions and physical illnesses.

o Only seven of these individuals returned to homelessness.

o Emergency room and inpatient hospitalization costs decreased by 50 percent.

o Overall healthcare costs were reduced by 78 percent.

* Homelessness of families was reduced by 74 percent since 2007 through the Rapid Rehousing program.

o Case management services helped the families increase their incomes by 50 percent and reduce the length of time on public assistance from one year to six months on average.

o Lengths of stay in emergency shelters were reduced by 36 percent.

o Nearly all of the families - 94 percent - have not returned to homelessness.

While these statistics are certainly compelling, the stories of individuals who are behind the numbers are even more powerful. Tenants of GTBHC's Housing First program shared their personal experiences during the press conference:

* Donna was homeless for about seven months after losing her job of 14 years. "I couldn't deal with my mental or physical illness. I had to focus on where I would sleep each night, which caused more anxiety and depression. With housing and treatment from Greater Trenton, I can focus more on my health and I reduced my emergency room visits. This place is a blessing," she said.

* "Greater Trenton showed me you can put your trust in someone to be better than what you are," Aubrey said. "They gave me my sound mind back." Aubrey had been on and off the streets for 10 years. Now, he is one and a half years into his recovery from drug and alcohol addictions.

* A woman in a soup kitchen helped Reggie get into housing. He has now been off drugs for three years and plans to get married. "Now, I'm living the life I should've been living a long time ago," he said.

* "Being housed stopped me from being locked up. You all made a successful story out of me," Morgan said.

* "Everyone in the program stuck by me and trusted me even when I didn't know who I was," Gail said. "We got to use all the doors, not just the one to our homes, but also the counseling door and so on."

All of the tenants finished their stories with heartfelt gratitude to specific GTBHC staff that was rightfully followed with applause from everyone in the room, which was packed with service providers and recipients, media representatives, county government staff and other stakeholders.

What made the event even more profound is not just the tremendous impact that the providers have on individuals' lives, but also the fact that achieve such impact with limited resources. "We have housing subsidies for 165 people, who had been chronically homeless, but service dollars for only 84. We received four different funding cutbacks over the past four years despite excellent outcomes. Although other funders increased their funding to help out, we still had a several hundred thousand dollar gap. Staff responded by taking on additional clients rather than returning anyone to homelessness. Because of this generosity by staff, I am calling them our newest funding source," Monahan said.

Press Conference Featured in NJ Spotlight and Trenton Times

Thirteen of 75 early participants in GTBHC's Housing First program who had the highest healthcare costs "saw their annual hospital inpatient and emergency costs drop from an average of $24,320 to $5,269, a 78-percent decline," as reported in NJ Spotlight. "In addition, the number of residents with no hospital costs grew from 20 to 37, or nearly half of all Housing First enrollees. All of the participants had mental or behavioral health issues and most had drug or alcohol problems."

"If you added integrated care into the mix, you could have even bigger savings," Monahan told NJ Spotlight. At GTBHC, the staff coordinates physical and behavioral healthcare and works with residents to improve their diet and exercise habits.

February Is American Heart Month

While approximately 20 percent of people experience an episode of depression within their lifetimes, the figure climbs to 50 percent among people living with heart disease, according to the American Psychological Association. In addition, a recent study in the Journal of Affective Disorders shows that the suicide mortality rates among patients with cardiovascular disease is higher when compared to the general population, and suicide rates are highest in patients who are of young to middle age. The corollary is also true: Research published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that people with depression are more likely to have other conditions that can lead to heart disease, including obesity and diabetes. These serious health connections underscore the importance of ensuring prompt access to integrated healthcare services and parity in insurance coverage for physical and mental health conditions.

As February marks the annual American Heart Month, Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, is taking the opportunity to remind all healthcare providers to consider the link between mental health and cardiovascular disease: "Heart disease often co-occurs with mental illness. It is clear that we need to educate individuals and healthcare providers about the correlation between the two conditions, and we should not continue the practice of separating physical and behavioral health treatment. There is an urgent need to expand integrated healthcare options in order to properly address the physical and mental health needs of New Jersey residents."

"The strong connection between mental illnesses and heart conditions make it clear that it is now more important than ever for the mental health parity bill to be passed," Dr. Wentz added. We urge the quick passage of the legislation that the New Jersey Senate is considering which would increase enforcement and oversight of federal laws that require equal insurance coverage for treatment of physical health conditions, mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

NJAMHAA is a statewide trade association representing 144 organizations that serve New Jersey residents with mental illness and/or substance use disorders, and their families. In the policy push toward integrated care, NJAMHAA has also been a major voice in calling for the enforcement of the federal law to promote parity. Individuals who have insurance coverage and receive ongoing care for chronic illnesses such as heart disease may still have difficulty locating, enlisting in, and receiving approval for mental health services that could significantly improve their overall well-being.

"Community-based behavioral health providers frequently serve patients with not only these mental illnesses and substance use disorders, but also complex chronic physical health conditions, including heart disease, that create additional challenges for vulnerable individuals. Many NJAMHAA member agencies either provide medical services at their own facilities, or maintain partnerships with local clinics, physician groups or hospitals to be able to quickly connect individuals with necessary medical treatment. Parity will help ensure that everyone can receive all needed health services," Dr. Wentz added.

The correlation between depression and heart disease is so strong that the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Psychiatric Association recommend routine screening of heart disease patients for symptoms of depression, further emphasizing the need for integrated healthcare and mental health parity.

According to the AHA, people who are hospitalized for heart attacks are approximately three times more likely than the general population to experience depression, and heart disease patients with depression are at a higher risk of cardiac arrest, surgery complications, and hospital readmissions after procedures. For many, knowing that they have a cardiovascular disease may contribute to anxiety and depression due to the financial strain associated with treating the condition and the effect that the disease may have on their personal lives.

Along with being aware of the high co-morbidity rate of mental health and heart disease, it is important to understand how the two conditions can influence each other; the pharmacology, biology, and stress of cardiovascular disease treatment can negatively affect mental health, and poor mental health can lead to lower adherence to treatment and poor overall outcomes. It is also important to note that symptoms of depression and anxiety manifest differently in men and women, and men are less likely to seek treatment. It is critical for individuals and healthcare providers to be able to identify the different symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Individuals can further lower their chances of developing heart disease by making healthier choices and managing pre-existing conditions. High cholesterol and blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes are all preventable and treatable conditions that can significantly contribute to the development of heart disease. Making healthier dietary choices, such as limiting foods high in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar can also help reduce one's risk of heart disease. Lifestyle changes associated with a decreased risk of heart disease include limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.

NJAMHAA’s Partners in Advocacy group is comprised of representatives from member agencies that have built, or are willing to build, relationships with their state representatives at their local offices, and occasionally join NJAMHAA staff at meetings either in Trenton or locally. NJAMHAA provides its Partners (and all members) with advocacy resources that include policy papers templates, meeting requests, and Advocacy Training on a regular basis.

Your advocacy at the local level both supplements the advocacy NJAMHAA does directly with legislators each year, and serves to better educate legislators about the work our members do in their district, as well as its importance to the communities they represent. Building these relationships at the local level opens the door to stronger commitments by a greater number of legislators – not just those who are already connected to our issues through their committee appointments, or past experience, both personal and professional.

If you would like more information on how you can become part of this influential group, please call the NJAMHAA office at (609) 838-5488, ext. 225.

NJAMHAA’s Partners in Advocacy TOOLKIT

• Meeting Request Letter
• Follow Up Letter
• Legislative Feedback Form

Member List

Current Partners in Advocacy

Links

• Advocacy Resources
• Current Advocacy/Issues

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12:30pm - 4:30pm NJAMHAA

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TEST

October 8, 2021

NJAMHAA Urges New Jersey Congressional Delegation to Support the Excellence Act
to Ensure Care Continues and More People Can Access Treatment Services in the Future

MERCERVILLE - Mental health and substance use disorder care has been transformed in New Jersey through the creation of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), according to a new national report, Transforming State Behavioral Health Systems: Findings from States on the Impact of CCBHC Implementation.

New Jersey was one of the first states in the nation to receive funding in 2017 to implement the CCBHC model to expand access to mental health and substance use care. Today, New Jersey has 20 CCBHCs, seven of which began as demonstration sites as part of the original CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration program in 2017. According to the report issued by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, the seven original clinics together served more than 20,000 individuals in the most recent year, up from more than 17,500 in their first year.

The report highlights other successful outcomes from New Jersey's seven initial CCBHCs:

• Increased access to care - New Jersey clinics reported 78% of new consumers having had initial evaluations within 10 business days of the first contact (an average of 7.2 days). The national average for initial evaluations is 48 days.

• Increased access to a comprehensive range of services - CCBHCs in New Jersey nearly doubled the number of clients receiving medication-assisted treatment (MAT) from the first to the second demonstration year. Use of peer services increased 21% from the first to third demonstration year and supported employment, which had historically been underutilized, increased by 282%. Case management services increased from less than one-third of CCBHC clients in the first demonstration year to 83% in the second year.

• Increased follow-up for mental health and substance use care - In New Jersey, the rate of follow-up after hospitalization for mental illness nearly doubled in the second year of the CCBHC demonstration.

"CCBHCs in New Jersey are making a difference and saving lives," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA). "They have lowered costs, improved outcomes, and contributed to building critical substance use and mental healthcare system capacity in our communities. The need is more urgent than ever - we lost 2,841 people in New Jersey to overdose deaths in 2020 alone, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."

The CCBHC demonstration only exists in 10 states and the grant funds operate on a two-year cycle, leaving grantees dependent on Congressional renewal and continued funding. This lack of certainty creates instability in the program and undermines the potential for long-term effectiveness and sustained fiscal benefit. The bipartisan Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Act of 2021 would create much-needed financial stability of the program and a path for CCBHCs to continue expanded access and serve their communities.

"The Excellence Act represents an important opportunity, for New Jersey and the nation, to address the growing need for expanded mental health and substance use treatment services," said Dr. Wentz. "I urge the New Jersey Congressional Delegation to support this important legislation as part of the Budget Reconciliation package. We have made so much progress in New Jersey and the Excellence Act helps to ensure that we will continue to move forward."

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The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) will honor U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., State Senator Joseph F. Vitale (D-19th District) and Assemblyman Louis D. Greenwald (D-6th District) during its Courage and Compassion Awards Reception, which will be held on April 15, 2019 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Princeton in Plainsboro, NJ. This event will take place at the end of the first day of NJAMHAA's Annual Conference, The Ivy League of Behavioral Health, Policy, and Practice in Action.

Congressman Pallone to Receive the Federal Champion for Health Care Award
"Congressman Pallone has contributed tremendously to the mental health and substance use disorder field and the individuals who receive these invaluable services," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA. He was instrumental in the creation of the Affordable Care Act, which he is fighting to preserve to help ensure that all Americans can receive health insurance and have access to healthcare services. He also led negotiations among Democratic Representatives on the 21st Century Cures Act, which provides substantial funding for research on brain disorders and development of treatments, as well as funding to address the opioid abuse crisis. More recently, he introduced the Protecting Pre-Existing Conditions and Making Health Care More Affordable Act of 2019, as well as policy solutions to reduce prescription drug prices.

"Now that Congressman Pallone is Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, we anticipate that his strong leadership will consistently move forward legislation with positive impacts for the behavioral health field and those it serves," Dr. Wentz added.

Senator Vitale to Receive the State Champion for Health Care Award
"Beginning long before he was appointed Chair of the State Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, Senator Vitale has been a phenomenal supporter of the general health and behavioral healthcare fields," Dr. Wentz said. "He has dedicated his entire career to advancing health care for everyone and he has been a role model for integrated care."

In addition, Sen. Vitale is the primary sponsor of the Mental Health Access Act (S957), which calls for increased Medicaid reimbursement rates for behavioral health counseling services that are included in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices or meet other criteria determined by the state Commissioners of the Department of Human Services and Department of Children and Families.

Assembly Majority Leader Greenwald to Receive the Leadership in Increasing Access to Substance Use Treatment Award
"NJAMHAA has worked with Assemblyman Greenwald for a long time, since he was Chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee. He has always been supportive of the behavioral health field and an advocate for securing resources to ensure that people receive the services they need," Dr. Wentz said.

Asm. Greenwald's most recent contribution was to fighting the opioid epidemic with the introduction of legislation (A4744) that prohibits prior authorization requirements for prescriptions of methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone and other approved medications that treat substance use disorders. This legislation would not only establish in statute the recent Medicaid change to prohibit such pre-authorizations, but would also cover uninsured individuals whose services are supported with state funding. Asm. Greenwald is also a sponsor of A4804, which requires Medicaid coverage of professional violence prevention counseling services, and A4806, which establishes the Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program Initiative in the Department of Health.

Please visit https://njamhaa.org/events for all details on NJAMHAA's conference and to register. Attendance at the Courage and Compassion Awards Reception is included in the registration fee for the first day of the conference (April 15th) and registration for the awards reception is also available separately.

October 22, 2015 - Since OxyContin was approved for children as young as 11 years old by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there has been widespread debate about the narcotic painkiller, particularly due to the spiking rates of prescription opioid abuse throughout the nation. It was approved by the FDA in August, but two months later, criticism is still outpouring from many communities.

The reproach the FDA is still receiving comes in a timely manner, as the nation is currently celebrating National Substance Abuse Prevention Month during October, a designation made by President Barack Obama in 2011. Within this year's proclamation, he stated, "We come together to acknowledge the role every person can play in preventing substance abuse and recommit to fostering a culture where all our people can live up to their fullest potential."

"The opioid epidemic has sparked the nation's attention, and the recent approval for OxyContin for children has captivated the attention and concern of many others. Now is a critical time for everyone to promote safe and healthy communities that are free from substance abuse for the success of our future generations," said Debra Wentz, CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA).

NJAMHAA fully supports National Substance Abuse Prevention Month and encourages its members to reflect upon what they can bring to their communities' efforts to combat substance abuse. It can range from having a conversation about the responsibilities expected from children when taking prescription medication to raising awareness about substance abuse in the community at a school board meeting.

The theme of National Substance Abuse Prevention Month this year is "Unleashing the Collective Power of Communities," and it emphasizes that community members have a responsibility to help foster environments without substance abuse. On the White House's Prevention Month webpage, there is a video of Michael Botticelli, Director of National Drug Control Policy, who is the first person in substance-abuse recovery to hold this position, addressing viewers stating, "Consistent prevention messaging and education can help youth make healthy choices and stay above the influence," which is crucial in preventing substance abuse before it becomes a possibility.

OxyContin prescriptions for certain children have already been permitted, and in order to prevent them from contributing to increasing opioid abuse rates, the community must collaborate to help youth stay on the right path that leads away from substance abuse. By educating each other about the proper ways to use prescription medication, the consequences of opioid abuse and the support systems in place to help those in need, community members can help curtail substance abuse among youth in their communities.

"In fact, recent research has concluded that every dollar invested in school-based substance use prevention programs has the potential to save up to $18 in costs related to substance use disorders," according to the White House Prevention Month page.

Name: NJAMHAA IT Project’s Annual Conference
            Wield the Power of Information Technology: S.H.I.E.L.D. & PROTECT

Date: Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Time: 8:00AM - 4:40PM

Session Presentations and Supporting Documents

• Keynote: Cyber-Security and the Need for Strategic Collaboration, Dr. William M. Toms
• Workshop A: Lessons Learned from Civil and Criminal Cases Resulting from Health Care Data Breaches, Helen Oscislawski, Esq.
• Workshop B: IT Challenges in a Mobile World, Craig Badrick and Christopher J. Voll
• Workshop C: How to Choose and Use Threat Intelligence to Protect Your Network and Data and Comply with Regulations, Handouts, Suzanne Magee
• Workshop D: Cyber Security for your Organization and How to Prioritize on a Budget, Kenneth Romer and William Barry
• Afternoon Plenary: New Jersey Cybersecurity: Mitigating Cyber Risk through Awareness and Best Practices, David Weinstein
• Workshop E: 2016 Mobile Security Trends: Are You Ready?, Chris Mangano and Frank Gentile
• Workshop F: Coming to the HIPAA Party: Tips for IT Superheroes and Compliance to Coexist, Deborah A. Cmielewski, Esq.
• Workshop H: Healthcare Breaches – The Next Digital Epidemic, Timothy Parisi
• Closing Plenary: High-Impact Security Flaws in the U.S. Healthcare Sector: Feedback from Legal, Cybersecurity Auditors and IT Experts, David Mohajer, Sem Ponnambalam and Joshua A. Mooney

1:30PM - 3:30PM

New Jersey Medicaid ICD-10 Update

The following is a reminder message from the New Jersey Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (Medicaid) about the postponement of the ICD-10 implementation:
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandate for ICD-10 Diagnosis and Surgical Procedure code implementation has been postponed until October 1, 2015. Below is the latest notice we have received from CMS concerning ICD-10:
On April 1, 2014, the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (PAMA) (Pub. L. No. 113-93) was enacted, which said that the Secretary may not adopt ICD-10 prior to October 1, 2015. Accordingly, HHS expects to release an interim final rule in the near future that will include a new compliance date that would require the use of ICD-10 beginning October 1, 2015. The rule will also require HIPAA covered entities to continue to use ICD-9-CM through September 30, 2015.
The State of New Jersey Medicaid will follow the CMS guidelines and deny all claims not using the new ICD-10 codes if the service dates are October 1, 2015 or later. All claims with service dates September 30, 2015 or earlier must use ICD-9 codes.
Information concerning ICD-10 and how it affects NJMMIS and your Medicaid Submissions can be found at www.njmmis.com under the "Headlines - Web Announcement".
For additional information, please contact
Robert Brookwell
Robert.brookwell@dhs.state.nj.us

Data and Statistical Resources compiled for the NJAMHAA Data SubCommittee 2018 - 2019

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Public Health Data Systems that Provide Mental Health Information

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

BRFSS collects information on health risk behaviors, preventative practices, and healthcare access. Questions include recent mentally unhealthy days, anxiety and depressive disorders, mental illness and stigma, and psychological distress.

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

NHANES assesses health and nutritional status through interviews and physical examinations. Collected data cover a number of conditions, including depression and anxiety, symptoms of conditions, concerns associated with mental health and substance abuse, and mental health service use and need.

National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)

NHIS collects data on both adult and children’s mental health and mental disorders. For adults, this includes serious psychological distress and feelings of depression and anxiety.  For children, this includes the presence of  attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder.  The NHIS also examines mental health service use and whether individuals have unmet mental health needs. Questions about recent anxiety or frequent stress have been included in previous years.

National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey

NAMCS collects data on visits to nonfederally employed office-based physicians who are primarily engaged in direct patient care and, starting in 2006, a separate sample of visits to community health centers.  Data are collected on type of provider, medications, primary diagnoses and presence of long-lasting conditions.

National Hospital Care Survey (NHCS)

NHCS allows examination of care provided across treatment settings. Data cover physicians’ diagnoses, services and procedures, types of healthcare professionals seen, hospital characteristics, discharge diagnoses, surgical and diagnostic procedures, and prescriptions for ambulatory visits.

National Study of Long-Term Care Providers (NSLTCP)

NSLTCP monitors trends in the supply, provision, and use of the major sectors of paid, regulated long-term care services. Data cover mental illness, depression, and service use.

National Survey of the Diagnosis and Treatment of ADHD and Tourette Syndrome (NS-DATA)

NS-DATA collects information about children 2 to 15 years old in 2011-2012 who had ever been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or Tourette syndrome (TS) with the goal of better understanding diagnostic practices, level of impairment, and treatments for this group of children.

National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS)

NVDRS collects data from medical examiners, coroners, police, crime labs, and death certificates to understand the circumstances surrounding violent deaths, including suicide. NVDRS can also provide details on the circumstances that may have led to violent deaths, including mental illness and mental disorders.

Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS)

PRAMS collects data on maternal attitudes and experiences before, during, and after pregnancy. Surveillance research includes the prevalence of self-reported postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms.

School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS)

SHPPS is a national survey assessing school health policies and practices at the state, district, school, and classroom levels. Collected data includes mental health and social service policies.

WISQARS™

CDC’s WISQARS (Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System) is an interactive database system that provides customized reports of injury-related data, such as intentional self-harm including suicide.

Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS)

The YRBSS monitors health-risk behaviors including tobacco use, substance abuse, unintentional injuries and violence, sexual behaviors that contribute to unintended pregnancy and STDs.

National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH)

NSCH examines the health of children including those with special needs with an emphasis on well-being, such as medical homes, family interactions, parental health, school and after-school experiences, and safe neighborhoods. The survey also collects information on the presence of a mental or behavioral problem.

Kaiser Family Foundation Medical Benefits Database

The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) contracted with Health Management Associates (HMA) to survey Medicaid directors in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to identify those benefits covered for adult beneficiaries in their programs.

Kaiser Family Foundation Medicaid Behavioral Health Services Database

The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) contracted with Health Management Associates (HMA) to survey Medicaid directors in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to identify those behavioral health services covered for adult beneficiaries in their programs.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Vital and Health Statistics Series
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/series.htm

• Series 1. Programs and Collection Procedure
• Series 2. Data Evaluation and Methods Research
• Series 3. Analytical and Epidemiological Studies
• Series 4. Documents and Committee Reports
• Series 5. International Vital and Health Statistics Reports
• Series 6. Cognition and Survey Measurement
• Series 10. Data From the National Health Interview Survey
• Series 11. Data From the National Health Examination Survey, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, and the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
• Series 12. Data From the Institutionalized Populations Surveys
• Series 13. Data From the National Health Care Survey
• Series 14. Data on Health Resources: Manpower and Facilities
• Series 15. Data From Special Surveys
• Series 16. Compilations of Advance Data From Vital and Health Statistics
• Series 20. Data on Mortality
• Series 21. Data on Natality, Marriage, and Divorce
• Series 22. Data From the National Mortality and Mortality Natality Surveys
• Series 23. Data From the National Survey of Family Growth
• Series 24. Compilations of Data on Natality, Mortality, Marriage, and Divorce

Paper copies may be available at a Government Depository or a health sciences library near you. Highest numbers are most recent publications.

CMS Releases Updated Data on Geographic Variation in the Medicare Program
CMS has posted the annual release of the Geographic Variation Public Use File with data for 2007-2017. The Geographic Variation Public Use File is a series of downloadable tables and reports that contain demographic, spending, utilization, and quality indicators for the Medicare fee-for-service population. It presents data at the state-level (including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands), hospital referral region (HRR)-level, and county-level.
https://www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/Statistics-Trends-and-Reports/Medicare-Geographic-Variation/GV_PUF.html



Article: The Least Healthy County in Every State
Samuel Stebbins and Hristina Byrnes, MSN
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/the-least-healthy-county-in-every-state/ar-BBTBONY?ocid=spartandhp

Article: Better Data Will Serve as the Foundation in Modernizing the Medicaid Program 
Seema Verma, Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
https://www.cms.gov/blog/better-data-will-serve-foundation-modernizing-medicaid-program

Children's Health Care Quality Measures

https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/quality-of-care/performance-measurement/child-core-set/index.html

2019 Core Set of Children’s Health Care Quality Measures for Medicaid and CHIP (Child Core Set)

https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/quality-of-care/downloads/performance-measurement/2019-child-core-set.pdf

Adult Health Care Quality Measures

https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/quality-of-care/performance-measurement/adult-core-set/index.html

2019 Core Set of Adult Health Care Quality Measures for Medicaid (Adult Core Set)
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/quality-of-care/downloads/performance-measurement/2019-adult-core-set.pdf

Meaningful Measures Hub
“Meaningful Measures” framework is the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ new initiative which identifies the highest priorities for quality measurement and improvement. It involves only assessing those core issues that are the most critical to providing high-quality care and improving individual outcomes. 
https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/QualityInitiativesGenInfo/MMF/General-info-Sub-Page.html

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the primary federal agency for improving health care to people who are geographically isolated and economically or medically vulnerable, has launched its new Open Data website. The new resource features interactive maps, dashboards, query tools, fact sheets, and downloadable data related to HRSA-funded Health Centers, grants, loan repayment and scholarship programs, Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), organ donation, and other programs. The website provides national summary data and lets users drill-down to the state, county, regional, and Congressional district levels (AACN, 2018).  https://data.hrsa.gov/

National Institute of Mental Health

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research-priorities/research-resources/index.shtml

Mental Health America

//www.mentalhealthamerica.net/issues/state-mental-health-america

Mental Health in America - Adult Data

//www.mentalhealthamerica.net/issues/mental-health-america-adult-data

Mental Health in America - Youth Data

//www.mentalhealthamerica.net/issues/mental-health-america-youth-data

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Data and Dissemination
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/

Behavioral Health Spending & Use Accounts 2006 - 2015
https://store.samhsa.gov/system/files/bhsua-2006-2015-508.pdf

Serious Mental Illness

Mental illness is a critical public health problem. The complexity of navigating the US healthcare system can make accessing appropriate care difficult. We want to improve the health and quality of life of people with mental illness. This is why we study the difficulties of affected individuals, which often includes accessing care. Our researchers examine the use, integration, and coordination of behavioral health services and other related topics to better understand what people with mental illness experience.

Categories Related to Serious Mental Illness
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/taxonomy/term/6553

Treatment

Adolescents as Population Group

Mature Adults as Population Group

Alcohol Abuse

Depression

Alcohol

People with Mental Health Problems as Population Group

Tobacco

Suicide

Substance Abuse

Young Adults as Population Group

Drug Use Trends

Older Adults as Population Group

Underage Drinking

Research and Methodology

Opioids
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/taxonomy/term/7382

The misuse of prescription opioids and use of heroin is one of the most significant public health issues in the United States. Opioid abuse claims more lives than motor vehicle crashes. Providing access to effective care may prevent misuse and the consequences, such as overdose. Our researchers study the causes of the crisis and the effectiveness of the programs and policies implemented in response.

Categories Related to Opioids

Alcohol

Nicotine

Illicit Stimulants

Alcohol Abuse

Adolescents as Population Group

Underage Drinking

Mature Adults as Population Group

Pain Relievers

Prescription Drugs

Drug Use Trends

Sedatives

Methadone

Marijuana

Antidepressants

Benzodiazepines

New Jersey State Health Assessment Data

New Jersey's Public Health Data Resource

https://www-doh.state.nj.us/doh-shad/home/Welcome.html

Federal Data Access and Analysis Tools

https://www-doh.state.nj.us/doh-shad/resources/OtherWDQSs.html

New Jersey Opioid Data Dashboard

https://www.state.nj.us/health/populationhealth/opioid/

ResearchwithNJ.com

New Jersey’s first research asset database! ResearchwithNJ.com helps businesses and entrepreneurs identify and collaborate with our top universities and experts. This free database will help you discover thousands of experts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as well as their professional backgrounds, publications, and achievements. It will also help you learn about the research departments and specializations of our five participating universities: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Rutgers University, Rowan University, and Stevens Institute of Technology.

ResearchwithNJ.com is sponsored by New Jersey’s Office of the Secretary of Higher Education and Economic Development Authority.

Article: The State of Addiction Treatment

Article: Data Analytics and the Revenue Cycle
https://www.hfma.org/Content.aspx?id=61926

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

https://www.ahrq.gov/

The Integrated Care Resource Center (ICRC) helps states to develop integrated care programs that coordinate medical, behavioral health, and long-term services and supports for individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Recognizing that states are at different stages of integration, ICRC offers a variety of technical assistance services, including one-on-one and group technical assistance. The resources on this website are continuously updated to reflect the lessons gleaned from on-the-ground experiences in developing integrated care programs.

ICRC is a national initiative of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office. Technical assistance activities are coordinated by Mathematica Policy Research and the Center for Health Care Strategies, with additional assistance from Infocrossing and other external experts.
https://www.integratedcareresourcecenter.com/

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) was created by Congress in 2000 as part of the Children’s Health Act to raise the standard of care and increase access to services for children and families who experience or witness traumatic events. This unique network of frontline providers, family members, researchers, and national partners is committed to changing the course of children’s lives by improving their care and moving scientific gains quickly into practice across the U.S. The NCTSN is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and coordinated by the UCLA-Duke University National Center for Child Traumatic Stress (NCCTS).

https://www.nctsn.org

10AM to 12PM at Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, Iselin NJ 08830

June 9, 2017

Access to healthcare services for children who are covered by Medicaid and, therefore, their health and opportunities to flourish in all aspects of their lives, will be at great risk if the Affordable Care Act is repealed and replacement by the American Health Care Act. Throughout the course of one year, 23,000 New Jersey children enrolled in Medicaid are served by Care Management Organizations (CMO's), for which funding was cut by 50% in 2013, resulting in an average 400% increase in staff's workload and withering down their ability to provide high-quality services. As a result, children and their families are at risk of experiencing health complications requiring much more costly care, for example in emergency rooms and hospital inpatient units, which could otherwise be prevented with ongoing access to CMOs' life-saving and life-enhancing services.

"CMO's reimbursement rates need to be increased from $550 to $850 per child/per month to ensure we can continue to provide quality services that have been proven in New Jersey and many other states to be highly effective," said James Parauda, LSW, Chair, of the New Jersey Coalition of CMO Boards and Executive Director of Tri-County CMO in Branchburg, NJ. "This rate will cover the essential services required by our contracts with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and enable us to pay competitive salaries, which will help reduce turnover and keep staff's workloads manageable."

"We are proud to have the CMO's as members and we join them in advocating for this much-needed rate increase," said Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA). "As with all of NJAMHAA members, the CMO's provide invaluable services that not only enable children and adults with mental illnesses, substance use disorders and/or developmental disabilities to lead the healthiest and most fulfilling lives possible. Furthermore, these services are cost-effective and prevent common, high-cost consequences of not receiving treatment, including emergency room visits, inpatient hospitalizations, homelessness and incarceration."

The low reimbursement rates have led to an average turnover rate of 25% at CMO's, and remaining staff commonly hold second jobs to make ends meet. "Few jobs are harder than working with children and teens with severe emotional and behavioral problems. Yet, many care managers leave this field not because of these challenges, but because of inadequate pay," Parauda said, adding that New Jersey's rate is significantly lower than in other states (e.g., Maryland, $1,170 per month; Pennsylvania, $12,000 per episode; Rhode Island, $85 per day; Massachusetts, $1,510 per month (by 15-minute increments). "We need to support this dedicated workforce with decent living wages," he stressed.

CMO's have been serving youth with mental illnesses since their inception. In recent years, they have taken on additional responsibilities for youth who have substance use disorders or develop-mental disabilities, many of whom also have mental illnesses. "These interventions have prevented unnecessary hospitalizations. They also reduced the need for out-of-home treatment by 60%, which has provided a psychological boost to children and their families, in addition to saving the State $6 million dollars per year," Parauda said. 'Although hard to quantify, the reduction in incarceration saved New Jersey, at both the state and county levels, millions of dollars each year. These results were possible because CMO's were able to offer and implement effective plans."

"The wraparound model that CMO's follow has been proven to save and improve lives. It is tragic that this model - and especially the children and families who are benefiting from it - are at risk due to inadequate funding," Parauda said.

###
Care Management Organizations (CMO's) are one of many types of behavioral health providers represented by the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA). Between 2001 and 2006, the State of New Jersey established 15 CMO's to coordinate and monitor provision of services for youth with the most severe mental healthcare needs. This wraparound model has been supported by many administrations due to its effectiveness in saving and changing lives.

Financial and Legal Facts of Cloud Computing: What Every Organization Should Know

New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub

*Click here for Federal Resources and click here for National Association and Miscellaneous Resources

State Resources

• Office of U.S. Senator Cory Booker: A Coronavirus Pandemic Resource Guide for New Jersey
• Telehealth:
  • New Jersey Expands Access to Telehealth Services During COVID-19
• • The Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services, in their Medicaid Newsletter providing temporary telehealth guidelines for all providers effective March 21, 2020 and for the duration of the public health emergency.
  • Key Considerations for Adopting/Expanding Telehealth
  • Tips for telehealth/video chatting if the provider or the client are experiencing technical issues from Hilary Krosney-Rediker, LPC, LCADC,Director of Addiction Services, Jewish Family & Children's Service of Monmouth County
  • HHS Office of Civil Rights has issued a "Notification of Enforcement Discretion" for telehealth remote communications during the public health emergency.
  • Medicare has expanded telehealth coverage that enables beneficiaries to receive a wider range of healthcare services from their doctors without having to travel to a healthcare facility. More detailed information can be accessed here.
  • MCOs, Medicaid/NJ Family Care, and the Children's System of Care announced that they will reimburse providers for telehealth services in the same manner as face-to-face services.

• Healthcare:

• • New Jersey Department of Health updated guidelines clinicians should follow for testing COVID-19 patients.
    • NJDOH's new guidelines for outpatient medical providers who are evaluating patients for COVID-19.
      • NJ Residents with a Positive COVID-19 Test: Instructions and Next Steps
      • Acute Care in Hospitals- Labor and Delivery Support
    • Find Your Local Health Department Directory

  • Hilton Hotels and Marriott Hotels are offering special rates for healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic

  • New Jersey Removes Barriers to Assistance by Health Care Professionals

  • Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield- New Jersey has waived pre-authorization and pre-certification for inpatient admissions at in-network acute care hospitals. Click here to learn more.

    The Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services released information about the emergency funding process.
    • COVID-19 Incident Reporting
    • COVID-19 Office of Licensing FAQs for Residential Providers
      • Note that the two resources above also apply to the Division of Developmental Disabilities
    • Letter from Valerie Mielke, Assistant Commissioner, DMHAS, explaining the emergency payment process
      
      • Action Required by March 31^st with explanations of general criteria; specifics for cost-based mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) contracted providers; specifics for all fee-for-service providers; attestation; and monitoring
      • Attestation Form
      • Emergency Payments-Client Roster for MH Providers Only

• • From the New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII): Coronavirus: A Shortlist of Resources for Healthcare Administrators & Practice Operation
  • New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs temporarily suspended in-person continuing education requirements for mantaining liscenses, registeration and certification.
  • The New Jersey Innovation Institute has compiled a list of resources for healthcare office managers related to COVID-19 and includes CMS and the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program.
  • New Jersey Child Mental Health Coalition:
    • How to Help Your Teen Deal with Social Isolation
    • Mitigating the Implications of Coronavirus Pandemic on Families
    • Ways to Promote Children's Resilience to the COVID-19 Pandemic
    • NJMHC Roster
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness- New Jersey's Online Support Group information
  • Governor Murphy announced that NJ 211 has been activated to help handle COVID-19 related calls from New Jersey residents.
  • Health Coverage: nj.gov/governor/getcoverednj, www.healthcare.gov, www.njfamilycare.org
  • New Jersey Psychiatric Hospitals

• Human Services:
  • Division of Aging Services: Health Ease "Staying Healthy Recommendations & Related News" (Issue#243)
  • Division of Developmental Disabilities:
    • COVID-19 Residential Moves
    • COVID-19 Residential Screening Policy (Updated March 27, 2020)
• Children and Families:
  • New Jersey Department of Children and Families
    
    • COVID-19 Guidance for Congregate Care Residential Treatment Programs
  • Child Care Costs Support
  • Child Care Services for Essential Workers

• Employers:
  • Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP- Coronavirus: An Employer's Action Guide
  • Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith, and Davis LLP have provided guidance in regard to the COVID-19 Employment Law Update which includes CDC and OSHA guidance as well as Employers' ADA Rights and Responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read more.
  • The Employers Association of New Jersey (EANJ) continuiously updates their Coronavirus Toolkit for employers.
    
    • EANJ website has a page dedicated to the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act and Mandatory Sick Leave policy that were part of the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act signed into law on March 18, 2020.
  • The organization UST has assembled a list of the essential COVID-19 resources for nonprofit employers to help navigate the impact of the pandemic on both organizations and their employees. Click here to access the employer's toolkit
  • Tax Exemptions and Implications of Employee COVID-19 Hardship Payments

• Workforce:
  • The New Jersey Department of Labor Benefits- What Employees Should Know
  • Worker Protections and Leave Benefits
  • The New Jersey Department of Labor webpage shares detailed information for employees out of work for different reasons related to COVID-19, and also has a chart (in English and Spanish) that you can download.
    • What NJ Workers Need to Know about the Families First Coronavirus Responce Act
    • State of New Jersey COVID-19 Jobs and Hiring Portal
  • Job Assistance
  • Unemployment Benefits

• Business:
  • New Jersey Department of Health: Social Distancing Guidance for Essential Retail Business
  • The New Jersey Business and Industry Association posted a coronavirus update which includes frequently asked questions about Executive 107 and how it impacts businesses. Click here to read more.
  • New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)'s website has information for New Jersey businesses.
    • Information on NJ Businesses on the COVID-19 outbreak
    • Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan Program - Click here for more.

• • New Jersey Business Action Center: COVID-19/ Novel Coronavirus Information for New Jersey Businesses
  • Small Business Assistance:
    • U.S. Senator Cory Booker; The Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act
      • Applying for SBA Disaster Loans
    • NJDEA Hotline and NJEDA Team Member
    • To apply for an SBA loan, click here
    • For guidance on SBA loans, click here.
    • Business filing, notary, or apostilles/international notarization
    • Click here for "5 Considerations to Help Prepare for a Potential Business Interruption and Extra Expense Claim."

• • Mercadien has created a summary resource for businesses that explain the special federal income tax return filing and payment relief in response to COVID-19. Click here for a summary.
    • Small Business Forgivable Loans Program Under the CARES Act & Other Relief
    • An Overview on the CARES Act & What it Means for Individuals
    • Business sustainability checklist for organizations during crisis
    • An Overview on the CARES Act and What it Means for Businesses
    • Resource Guide for Business Owners
  • Miscellaneous Resources for New Jersey Businesses from BioNJ:
    • • COVID-19/Novel Coronavirus Information for New Jersey Businesses
      • Financial Assistance for Employers, Business Impacted by COVID-19
      • U.S. Small Business Administration Fact Sheet- Economic Injury Disaster Loans
  • Self-Employed NJ Workers: Unemployment Benefits During the Coronavirus Emergency
  • Business News:
    • The state has created an official violation reporting form that allows employees to report businesses deemed non-essential that are defying executive orders by remaining open or are refusing to allow employees to work from home where possible.
    • There's a full list of guidelines for which businesses are required to close down.
    • Governor Murphy's signed an order deeming which businesses are considered "essential" and exempt from the statewide retail shutdown order.
• NJ Department of Banking and Insurance COVID-19
  • COVID-19 and Health Insurance FAQs
• Food Assistance

• Housing:
  • Housing for Medical Volunteers
  • COVID-19 State and Local Housing Policy and Legislative Responses Tracker
  • State & Local Policy Recommendations for COVID-19
  • Mortgage, Rental and Housing Assistance

• COVID-19 Relief Funds:
  • New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund
  • South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund from the Community Foundation of South Jersey
  • Princeton Area Community Foundation COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund
  • OceanFirst Foundation Rapid Response Grants and Good Neighbor Grants
  • The Provident Bank Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Response Grants
  • PHL COVID-19 Fund from the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
  • United Way of Greater Newark Community COVID-19 Fund
• Veterans
  • NJ Veteran Benefits: VBB@dmava.nj.gov
• Student Loans
• NJ Motor Vehicle Comission
• NJ Transit

• New Jersey Public Health News:
• • If you are a qualified health, mental health, and related professional, click here to volunteer.
  • New Jersey will establish four-pop up hospitals to help manage the amount of COVID-19 patients.
  • Governor Murphy has suspended all elective surgeries and invasive procedures performed on adults that are scheduled to take place after 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27. This order does not apply to family planning services.
• General New Jersey News:
• • Governor Murphy and Superintendent Callahan Announce FEMA Approval for Non-Congregate Sheltering in Place
  • New Jersey joins a multi-state council to restore the economy and get people back to work.
  • The homestead property tax relief program was put on hold after the Treasury Department froze $920 million in state government spending.

• Legislation:
  
  • Executive Orders 123-127
  • Legislation (S2374) expands protections of the Family Leave Act to allow employees forced to take time off to care for a family member during the COVID-19 outbreak with up to 12 weeks of unpaid family leave in a 24-month period without losing their jobs.
  • NJ CARES Act 42CR:
    • Revisions to the Treatment of Substance Use Disorder Records
  • Executive Order No.122 ceases all non-essential construction projects and imposes additional mitigation requirements on essential retail businesses and industries to limit the spread of COVID-19
  • Executive Order No.119 extends the public health emergency in New Jersey
  • Executive Order No.113, gives the New Jersey State Director of Emergenct Management the authority to commander medical supplies and equipment, including Personal Protective Equipment.
  • Executive Order No.112, authorizes the Division of Consumer Affairs to temporarily reactivate the licenses of healthcare professionals who have recently retired and grants temporary licenses to doctors licensed in foreign countries.
  • As of Tuesday, March 26, a series of bills have been passed related to COVID-19. Click here to see the legislation that has passed (compiled by BioNJ).
  • On Wednesday, March 25, Governor Murphy signed Senate No.2304 into law. This piece of legislation expands the scope of temporary disability insurance (TDI). Click here for more information.
  • Governor Murphy signed legislation (A3860) which authorizes any health care practitioners to provide telemedicine and telehealth services for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
  • COVID-19 Related Legislation (A3843, A3845, A3848, A3855)
• Census
• COVID-19 Related Helplines/Phone Numbers
• Report Violations

** How Individuals Can Help

**If personal protective equipment can be donated or if you have access to PPE inventories, please click here.

Dec. 3 10am to 12pm

10AM - Noon

The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies is sharing the following message from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):

Suicide is a serious and preventable public health issue. But if we are unaware of the signs and risk factors associated with suicide, someone close to us-a friend, a family member, a coworker, or a neighbor-might be at risk for suicide. As individuals and communities, we can reduce suicide rates if everyone plays a role in suicide prevention.

That's why SAMHSA, along with other federal partners, developed the concept of "echo sites" as a way to support communities across the country with their suicide prevention efforts. An echo site is a community-organized gathering that stimulates dialogue, collaboration, and action.

The echo site initiative to promote suicide prevention has been selected as a finalist for the HHS Innovates People's Choice Award, which recognizes methods, collaborations, and creativity that will help advance HHS's and SAMHSA's mission to reduce the impact of mental illness on America's communities. Voting is open to the public to select the HHS Innovates People's Choice Award winner. Your vote for "Suicide Prevention: What's Your Role?" will support continued efforts around suicide prevention in your community. Voting will close Friday, June 13, 2014. To vote, visit //www.hhs.gov/idealab/pathways/hhs-innovates/.

November 17, 2014 at 1 PM at RWJ Hamilton Fitness Center

The Power Of Technology and Data Analytics In The HealthCare Market: How Analytics & Decision Support Tools Can Improve Quality & Reduce Costs

NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities Quality Improvement Survey 

Please share the DDD Quality Improvement Strategy Stakeholder Survey and encourage Division stakeholders, particularly individuals and families, to take a few minutes to complete it as soon as possible but no later than the deadline of Friday, May 22, 2015.

10AM to 12PM at NJAMHAA

1:30pm to 3:30pm

Sign Up to Testify at Legislative Hearings, which Start Next Week!

Although Governor Christie's proposed budget for FY 2014 is clearly supportive of the behavioral health community and vulnerable populations, it is not final until the State Legislature votes, and testimonies that will be heard over the next few weeks will have an impact on our State Senators and Assembly members.

Therefore, we urge everyone to testify at the Senate and Assembly budget hearings in your geographic areas to ensure that treatment and support services for individuals with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, gambling addictions, intellectual/developmental disabilities or co-occurring disorders are adequately funded for FY 2014.

Do not risk behavioral health funding by remaining silent! Visit www.njleg.state.nj.us for details on budget hearings - the first one will be on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 in Trenton - and register to testify.

July 18, 2018

MERCERVILLE, NJ - From ongoing federal efforts to undermine the Affordable Care Act, to the separation of children from asylum-seeking parents at the southern border, to the persisting disparities in wealth and access to health care, 2018 has been a turbulent year for mental health for individuals of minority backgrounds.

In most minority communities, individuals experience higher rates of poverty and violence than Caucasian Americans, and struggle with worse health outcomes as a result. Americans who are racial or ethnic minorities are more likely to be afflicted with mental illnesses and substance use disorders, while also having lower rates of access to treatment.

With people who identify with racial or ethnic minority groups predicted to comprise about half of the United States population by 2050, cultural competence in health care is becoming more and more critical to enable Americans of diverse backgrounds to thrive. In 2008, Congress established July as Bebe Moore Campbell Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, named after the prominent African-American author and mental health advocate, to draw attention to mental health and substance use issues within minority populations.

The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA), a trade association representing 160 New Jersey community-based providers of behavioral healthcare services, continually promotes multicultural understanding to improve quality of care for all residents of this diverse state. Multicultural issues are always a salient subject of discussion at NJAMHAA meetings and conferences.

"Our member providers and the individuals they serve come from many backgrounds, and the providers continue to push themselves to meet the needs of all vulnerable people in their communities. The diversity of New Jersey means people with behavioral health struggles need clinicians who can communicate in different languages and understand varied beliefs in order to serve individuals most effectively. NJAMHAA is so proud of our members for constantly striving to bridge gaps in mental health and substance use treatment," said Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., President and CEO of NJAMHAA.

Camden-based NJAMHAA member agency Center for Family Services, Inc. was recently featured in the news for providing shelter homes with compassionate, comprehensive social services for migrant children separated from their parents at the southern U.S. border.

NJAMHAA members lead their behavioral health colleagues in improving multicultural services. In North Jersey, CultureConnections, run by member agency FAMILYConnections, is a program funded by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to provide training and consultation for agencies seeking assistance in improving organizational cultural competence. In South Jersey, member agency the Family Service Association of South Jersey operates the Mental Health Cultural Competence Center (MHCCC), also funded by the State of New Jersey that provides mental health professionals with training, and published resources on cultural competence. In addition, NJAMHAA is an active member of the DMHAS Multicultural Services Group (MSG), which works to develop technical assistance for behavioral health agencies to ensure that cultural competency is an integral part of service delivery.

NJAMHAA's charitable subsidiary, the New Jersey Mental Health Institute (NJMHI), has done extensive research and reporting on improving mental health outcomes for the Hispanic population through its nationally and internationally recognized project Changing Minds, Advancing Mental Health for Hispanics. Additionally, NJMHI has received grants in recent years to conduct trainings for clinicians on different clinical techniques that can be used to treat veterans, as well as cultural competence for most effectively serving this population.

Through the work of NJAMHAA-affiliated groups and agencies, cultural competence is increasingly coming to the forefront of improving the delivery of behavioral healthcare services. Spreading awareness and educational resources about relating to diverse populations by informing language, attitudes, and behaviors, as well as encouraging inclusion and inter-cultural dialogue, is making behavioral healthcare services more accessible to members of minority populations, which improves overall health. For Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, NJAMHAA encourages advocates to respect and celebrate the diversity in their communities, and to encourage the breakdown of cultural barriers that prevent minority Americans from accessing behavioral health care and living fulfilled lives.

1PM to 3PM at NJAMHAA

12:30pm to 2:30pm

October is Healthy Aging Month; October 10, 2013 is World Mental Health Day

To live a high quality life, many aspects of life must be consistently addressed: not only physical and behavioral health, but also the need for social connections, positive family and other relationships, recreation and other stimulating activities. The Jewish Family Service (JFS) agencies throughout the state offer a range of services to meet these needs. Their staff also conducts outreach to proactively engage individuals and families into their services. While these agencies serve individuals of all ages, Healthy Aging Month presents an opportunity to highlight their services for the elderly population specifically.

"Aging can be depressing, especially as the elderly watch friends and family members become ill, as well as experiencing illnesses themselves. Depression also can lead to physical illness, such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Furthermore, addictions are common among elders, and they are often under-reported and, therefore, under-treated," said Lisa Fedder, Executive Director, JFS of Bergen and North Hudson. "Our clinical services help minimize this."

"The signs of depression in the elderly are atypical," noted Dale Ofei-Ayisi, LCSW, Coordinator of Community Services, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC). "Because of stigma, many elderly individuals will say 'No" when asked if they are depressed. Instead, they often experience somatic symptoms, such as head, back and stomach aches, or become angry, irritable or isolated."

"Our goal is to keep older adults safe, stable, healthy and happy in their homes and communities with dignity for as long as possible. We call this aging in place. We literally save lives," said Reuben Rotman, Executive Director, JFS of Metrowest. "We facilitate the transition to other living environments that become necessary because of aging, psychiatric history, the economy or other dynamics. Our agencies are extended families for many older adults, especially those who don't have children locally or are estranged from their children."

"Collectively, all of our member providers offer a full continuum of services for every age group and many organizations, such as the JFS agencies, individually provide a broad range of services that meet a variety of needs," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA), a trade association of which the state's 12 JFS agencies are members. "I am proud to represent these vital organizations through advocacy to leaders in our state and federal governments and through the media. Our advocacy also serves as essential education for everyone, from legislators and policymakers to the general public, which helps ensure awareness of and access to these services, which are proven to both save and greatly enhance people's lives."

Services for Caregivers Help Enhance Care for the Elderly

Several JFS agencies and UBHC, as well as Trinitas Regional Medical Center, also offer programs to support caregivers. Children of older adults commonly experience stress and exhaustion, yet they tend to not give themselves breaks or, if they do, they may feel guilty about it. "We're showing caregivers that self-care is not only okay, but it's also essential for providing good care," said Steven Sonhle, PsyD, Clinician Administrator for the COPSA (Comprehensive Services on Aging) Program at UBHC and Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Trinitas' Statewide Clinical Outreach Program for the Elderly (S-COPE) program has a similar focus, but with care providers in nursing homes. S-COPE also entails training nursing home staff to identify and manage behavioral issues that do not require emergency room (ER) visits. The S-COPE team also encourages acceptance of residents' return from ERs by providing on-site assessment and clinical follow-up, as well as incorporating this topic into the staff training.

Visit www.njamhaa.org for more details.

1PM to 3PM at NJAMHAA

1PM to 3PM at NJAMHAA

September is National Recovery Month; National Wellness Week is September 17-23, 2012

Community-based behavioral healthcare providers understand what people need to lead healthy, productive and rewarding lives. They are dedicated to building opportunities for well-being and success through a continuum of services, which encompasses prevention, early intervention, treatment and various types of support programs. In fact, every NJAMHAA member provider offers a variety of programs that address most, if not all, of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness that are promoted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

These dimensions are emotional, environmental (defined by SAMHSA as "Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being"), financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social and spiritual ("Expanding our sense of purpose and meaning in life").

The Eight Dimensions of Wellness are the focus of SAMHSA's National Wellness Week (September 17-23, 2012), which is part of National Recovery Month. This annual event "celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment and service providers, and promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible," as described on www.recoverymonth.gov.

Also visit www.njamhaa.org for examples of NJAMHAA providers and their services that foster wellness and recovery.

10AM - 2PM at NJAMHAA SOLD OUT

July 29, 2019

Eliminating Stigma and Promoting Cultural Competency to Address Disparities in Mental Health among Minority Groups

July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

On July 23, 2019 at the Fifth Annual Reach Higher 2019 Beating the Odds Summit, held at Howard University, a historically black university, former First Lady Michelle Obama offered words of wisdom to a large crowd of students of color. She stated, "You have to be mindful of mental health. We're not a society that talks about mental health... going away to school and being homesick - that's mental health. Having some depression, some anxiety, feeling nervous - that's part of your mental health. The first thing I think you guys have to do is not just own it, but you have to recognize mental health is one of the pegs to success."

"Michelle Obama's comments underscore the fact that in many minority cultures, mental health conditions are often suppressed, ignored and highly stigmatized. Instead of being open about mental health conditions, individuals and families often attempt to hide that there is an ongoing problem and treat it as though it is a shameful family secret," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies. The month of July has been designated as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to bring awareness to the struggles and barriers experienced by people from marginalized and underserved communities, including but not limited to racial, cultural and ethnic minorities, as well as individuals from LGBTQ+, immigrant, and religious communities.

• According to statistics provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Alliance on Mental Illness:
• In 2017, 41.5% of youth ages 12-18 received care for a major depressive episode, but only 35.1% of black youth and 32.7% of Hispanic youth received treatment for their conditions.
• Asian American adults are less likely to use mental health services than any other racial or ethnic group.
• 13.3% of youth ages 12-17 had at least one depressive episode, but that number was higher among American Indian and Alaska Native youth at 16.3% and among Hispanic youth at 13.8%.
• LGBTQ+ individuals are two or more times more likely than straight individuals to have mental health conditions; 11% of transgender individuals have reported being denied care due to bias/discrimination; and LGBTQ+ youth are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.

Individuals in marginalized and underserved communities face a number of critical issues including having less access to mental health services than Caucasians; receiving poorer quality of care; being less likely to receive treatment; experiencing higher levels of stigma and culturally insensitive health- care systems and providers; racism, bias, and discrimination in treatment settings; and language barriers.

Raising awareness about mental health conditions by speaking up about personal experiences and treatment options, as well as the disparities in the healthcare system can help to greatly reduce stigma. Promoting cultural competency training can help treatment providers understand the unique challenges their patients may face due to their cultural backgrounds.

"Normalizing mental health across all backgrounds can encourage individuals to speak up, seek help, receive a diagnosis and the appropriate care and support services," Dr. Wentz said.

NJAMHAA and AIR™ Aim to Prevent Suicide by Encouraging Conversations
about Mental Health; Conference to Be Held September 23, 2019

September 16, 2019

The most common reason why individuals struggling with mental health issues do not seek help is stigma, which engenders fear, embarrassment and a sense of shame. However, since mental health disorders are real illnesses, there should not be any judgment. Education is essential for eliminating stigma among those who have a lack of knowledge or misperceptions, and to prevent a stigmatizing outlook from developing among youth. As part of their ongoing efforts to eliminate stigma, the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) and Attitudes In Reverse® (AIR™) will host their Seventh Annual Suicide Prevention Conference, Story Tellers: It's Never too Early to Talk to Children about Mental Health, presented by and co-sponsored by Hackensack Meridian Health Carrier Clinic and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) - New Jersey Chapter. This event will be held on September 23, 2019, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the HOPE Tower, Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center, 1945 Route 33, Neptune, NJ.

"The most powerful way to eliminate stigma is through story telling. Sharing personal experiences is the best way to elicit responses from individuals of all ages and encouraging them to seek treatment for themselves and their loved ones," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA.

"We are encouraged by the new state law that requires mental health education for students in grades kindergarten through 12th grades. This education will help prevent youth from developing a judgmental perspective on mental health disorders and individuals who have them, and it will help correct misunderstandings and eliminate discrimination," said Shauna Moses, Vice President, Public Affairs and Member Services, NJAMHAA.

"Between 6 and 18% of students at each of our educational presentations speak up about their mental health struggles after learning that mental health disorders are real illnesses that no one brings upon themselves and about coping mechanisms to strengthen their mental health on an ongoing basis, as well as during difficult times," said AIR Co-founder Tricia Baker, YMHFA, CPDT-KA.

"Another key factor in fostering these conversations is that we share our story about having family members with mental health disorders and losing loved ones to suicide, and we reinforce the fact that suicide can be prevented. Everyone needs to feel comfortable speaking up in order for this to happen," added Kurtis Baker, YMHFA, CFP®.

"It is inspiring, as well as educational, when individuals share their mental health struggles and they cope with them. However, discussions more commonly take place following news reports of suicide deaths. The ideal is to have conversations on an ongoing basis to prevent suicide by encouraging individuals to speak up and seek help when they need it," Moses stated.

Medical and behavioral healthcare providers; teachers and education administrators; state legislators and policy-makers and their staff; and others who have and/or work with children and adolescents are strongly encouraged to participate in the conference on September 23, 2019. The keynote presentations at this event will be Mental Health First Aid in Preventing Suicide by Jacqueline Bienenstock, DNP, RN-BC, Director, Acute Care, Hackensack Meridian Health - Carrier Clinic; and Child and Youth Suicide: A Growing Phenomenon that Needs to Be Reversed, by Maureen Brogan, LPC, Statewide Traumatic Loss Coalition Coordinator, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, and Wendy Sefcik, Mental Health Advocate and Chair, New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council.

In addition, Rebecca McLelland-Crawley, EdD, National Board Certified Teacher, Community Middle School, West Windsor-Plainsboro, NJ Regional School District, and some of her students will present on How Young People Are Struggling and How They Are Working on Changing It. Following this presentation will be a panel discussion, Story Tellers: Healing and Helping Others, featuring Cynthia Chazen, Mental Health Advocate; Peter Lee Kramer, a student at Rider University pursuing a degree in psychology; and Fiona Purcell, author of The Queen who Saved Herself, a book that helps adults speak with children about substance use disorders.

After the panel discussion, Tricia Baker and Dr. Thomas A. Smith, Superintendent, Hopewell Valley Regional School District, will share the impact of AIR's Therapy Dog Program. The conference will end on an inspiring note with a performance by Tess Cameron, a teenager with musical and other artistic talents.

Click here to register for this event.

1PM to 3PM at NJAMHAA

The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies' (NJAMHAA's) Information Technology (IT) Project is proud to announce that Peggy Smedley, an internationally known speaker and highly respected personality in the media world, will deliver the keynote address at its annual conference, "Riding the Coaster of Change: Strap Yourself In", on March 5, 2013 at the Pines Manor in Edison, NJ. Ms. Smedley is known for her expertise in educating business professionals and consumers about the latest technological advances shaping the lives of all individuals. She is the host of the "The Peggy Smedley Show", a weekly Internet radio broadcast, that helps listeners not only understand connected devices, but also how to make these devices a part of their everyday lives.

Visit www.njamhaa.org for details and to register as attendees, sponsors, advertisers and/or exhibitors.

MERCERVILLE - The trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to an increased use misuse, and abuse of alcohol and drugs. However, this is applicable to people of all ages and in various circumstances. For example, when Samantha was 13, she began drinking because of peer pressure and a desire to fit in. Samantha then started to drink heavily due to the unhappiness that she was experiencing. She describes isolating herself and becoming violent towards her family. She was eventually kicked out of her house at the age of 16 and began begging for money to purchase alcohol. Soon after, doctors told Samantha that her liver was badly damaged due to her excessive drinking. As she reflects now, "I was so close to killing myself…". Click here to read more accounts like Samantha's.

Samantha is just one of many young people whose lives include alcohol abuse. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 37% of college students engage in binge drinking and 9.65% of college students have heavy alcohol use. These statistics could increase due to college-aged individuals quarantining or self-isolating during the coronavirus crisis.

The widespread misuse of alcohol also has an economic impact. The American Addiction Centers states that health costs related to alcohol abuse reached an estimated $249 billion in the United States in 2010, with binge drinking expenses accounting for three-quarters of this cost. Long-term binge drinking and heavy alcohol use can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, irregular heartbeat, an increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke, and increased risk of developing depression, anxiety, and psychosis.

April is known as the month whose showers bring May flowers. It's also Alcohol Awareness Month, a public health program organized by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. This annual program was created in 1987 as a way to increase outreach and education regarding the dangers of alcoholism and issues related to alcoholism. Though Alcohol Awareness Month was originally targeted at college-aged individuals, it has since assisted families and communities in highlighting the effects of alcoholism and how to deal with them. One important aspect of Alcohol Awareness Month is spreading awareness of how to deal with the stigma that surrounds alcoholism.

"Binge drinking can present a danger not only to individuals, but also to their families and communities. Events like Alcohol Awareness Month promote the potential dangers of alcohol to a wide demographic," said Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., President, and CEO of New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies. "Many deaths result from alcoholism and the disease needs as much attention - including access to treatment - as all other substance use disorders."

The U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends that men consume no more than four drinks a day and no more than 14 drinks per week. They also recommend that women drink no more than three drinks per day and no more than seven drinks per week. One of the ways to reduce the dangers of drinking is knowing the facts and participating in events like Alcohol Awareness Month. So the next time there's an alcohol abuse awareness tag on social media (such as #alcoholawareness, #rethinkingdrinking), think of people like Samantha and promote it. Someone like 13-year-old Samantha could see it and decide that drinking may not be worth a shot.

10AM - Noon

Overwhelmed by the FFS Transition? Relax!

And Get Valuable Insights and Strategies at NJAMHAA's Fall Conference!

NJAMHAA is pleased to present a workshop on transitioning to a Fee-for-Service -- an issue that is clearly on everyone's mind -- during our Fall Behavioral Healthcare Meeting, Changing Tides in the Behavioral Health System: Adapt, Evolve, Thrive, on October 11, 2012, at the Robert Wood Johnson Conference Center, Hamilton, NJ.

• How do you prepare for the major change to a Fee- for-Service based reimbursement system?

• What should you be thinking about now?

• How will you need to modify your budget, your budgeting process and business operations?

• What does your billing and clinical staff need to know?

Dynamic, expert speakers Don Parker, Healthcare Consultant with Carlisle LLC, and Bruce Gorman, Vice President of Business Development, Public Sector Solutions, Magellan, will not only address these questions, but also answer additional questions, share strategies and facilitate brain-storming during this new interactive workshop.

This conference will also address equally vital, big-picture issues through interactive panel discussions prior to the workshops:

* Navigating New Waters: Outcomes & Costs in New Jersey's Integrated and Managed Care Environment

* The Ebb & Flow: Discussion on the Comprehensive Medicaid Waiver

PLUS: We are delighted to have R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy, The White House, presentSurfing the Break: The President's National Drug Control Strategy - The Perspective and Vision and accept NJAMHAA's Judy Remington Award for Progressive Leadership in Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment.

IN ADDITION: Estelle Richman, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will deliver the keynote presentation, Reflections: A National View on the Correlation Between Housing and Social Services.

For all the details on all of the invaluable, interactive program components and to register, visit the Conferences section of www.njamhaa.org today!

NJAMHAA 2017 Annual Conference Award Recipients

Select recipients name for photo.

Alan DeStefano
Anthony Castellano
Assemblyman Schaer
Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle
Diane Litterer
Ed Diehl
Faith Rice
Heather Simms
India Hall
Lilo Stainton
Mark DePazza
NJTV
Award Recipient Group

10AM - Noon

May 1, 2020

May Is Mental Health Month

While the demand for mental healthcare services - as well as for treatment of substance use disorders (SUD), which commonly co-occur with mental illnesses - continues to increase during the coronavirus crisis, providers of these critical services are facing even greater challenges than they have been contending with for years prior to the pandemic. Providers need significant increases in funding and regulatory flexibility in order to continue serving New Jersey's most vulnerable residents of all ages.

"Throughout their careers and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, mental healthcare and SUD treatment providers have been on the frontlines, placing themselves at risk to serve New Jersey's most vulnerable residents. They have demonstrated tremendous dedication as they have contended with ongoing challenges, including limited funding and regulatory barriers," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President, and CEO of New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies. "While some regulations have been relaxed to allow for continued provision of services during the pandemic, mental healthcare and SUD treatment providers need additional flexibility, as well as substantially more funding, throughout the crisis and beyond in order to serve everyone in need."

Providers have been encountering tremendous difficulty obtaining adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) and quickly purchasing telehealth hardware and software that comply with federal confidentiality rules. Meanwhile, the fiscal challenges encountered during the pandemic have exacerbated long-standing financial difficulties due to inadequate reimbursement rates for many types of services; some components of services being non-billable; and insufficient funding, which makes it difficult to attract and retain qualified clinical staff.

In addition, programs have shut down during the pandemic and others are expected to close within the next several months if there is not additional financial support. In a recent survey that NJAMHAA conducted, nearly half (47%) of the respondents have already had to close programs and one agency temporarily suspended all of its services due to clients and staff testing positive for COVID-19. Furthermore, nearly 60% of respondents anticipate closing programs if volume continues to drop.

Income decline - at one organization, as high as $75,000 in a two-week period - is attributed to individuals being afraid to take public transportation and participate in programs, as well as to a halt in development activities and additional pandemic related costs, including PPE, COVID-19 testing, more in-depth and frequent cleaning, hazard pay, staffing shortages and telehealth equipment. Compounding these fiscal limitations is providers' lack of reserves.

"The pandemic's impact on mental health will continue long after the crisis subsides," Dr. Wentz said. "Now, more than ever, steps must be taken to ensure that provider organizations, which have been an effective safety net for New Jersey residents for decades, remain viable to meet the current and anticipated pent up and increased demand."

Please share the DDD Quality Improvement Strategy Stakeholder Survey on your websites, email lists and social media sites; and encourage Division stakeholders, particularly individuals and families, to take a few minutes to complete it as soon as possible but no later than the deadline of Friday, May 22, 2015.

"Community providers measure their success in both lives saved and savings of tax dollars and contributions to the state's overall economy," wrote
Debra L. Wentz, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, in an op-ed piece published in the Times of Trenton (March 17, 2014).

"The evidence-based treatment and other services afforded by these expert providers are effective. For those who can access mental health treatment, 70 percent to 90 percent are able to reduce the symptoms and impact of their illnesses with a combination of treatment and support, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. SAMHSA also reported high success rates of substance use treatment: as high as 92 percent for heroin," Dr. Wentz explained.

"In addition to being effective, community-based services save taxpayers more than $1 billion a year by preventing high-cost inpatient care. For example, in the 1970s, nearly 15,000 adults were in state psychiatric hospitals; the current census is fewer than 2,000, thanks to improved treatment options and other supports and progress in reducing stigma," she added.

Visit nj.com/times to read this entire article.

1PM - 3PM

Suicide Prevention:Back to School-Pack a Good Mental Health Toolkit
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/suicide-prevention-back-to-school-pack-a-good-mental-health-toolkit-tickets-17723120330?invite=&err=29&referrer=&discount=&affiliate=&eventpassword

The full Senate and Assembly passed identical FY 2014 budget bills (S-3000 and A-4200), which were also recently approvedby the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Assembly Budget Committee. Both bills propose a $32.9 billion spending plan that closely resembles Governor Christie's proposed budget, which includes preserved funding for children's and adults' behavioral healthcare services. In addition, the legislative bill includes a provision for a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

"We are pleased that the State Senate and Assembly heard our call for a COLA for community provider agencies. While we know funding for a full 5 percent is not possible, we applaud the commitment of 1 percent for FY 2014, which will be a good start toward enabling community providers to better meet the unprecedented need for behavioral health services throughout New Jersey," said Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA). However, the COLA will not go into effect until January 1, 2014; therefore, it equates to one-half of a percent for the fiscal year.

"The tremendous need for behavioral healthcare services, which continues to increase, relates to many situations: the emotional devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy; the trauma veterans experienced during active duty, especially for those who endured multiple deployments; the impact of parents' military service on their spouses and children; and other natural disasters and manmade tragedies," Dr. Wentz sated.

"We also thank our State Legislators for supporting the preservation of behavioral healthcare funding for children and adults and increases in some areas that were included in Governor Christie's proposed budget," Dr. Wentz added. Additional funding will be allocated for Drug Court, which will ensure that nonviolent drug offenders receive treatment, rather than becoming incarcerated. In addition, $4.4 million from the closure of Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital will be reinvested into services provided through the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, including 130 supportive housing units; and $8.4 million for the Olmstead settlement will fund 344 new community placements for individuals being discharged from state psychiatric hospitals.

10AM - Noon

1:30PM to 3:30PM at Mercadien

MERCERVILLE, NJ - Even though the federal government passed the Mental Health Parity Act in 2008, to this day people who are in need of mental health services struggle to access them due to network inadequacy, improper denials from their health insurance, and overly long wait times. In New Jersey, the Department of Banking and Insurance, which oversees health insurance companies and is responsible for parity enforcement, charges $25 to file a service denial complaint. The Department has not reported any parity complaints this year; however, even the people who are aware of the parity law and the procedure to file a complaint may be deterred by the $25 filing fee, especially if they already struggle with mental illnesses and financial issues.

NJAMHAA is a statewide trade association representing 160 organizations that serve New Jersey residents with mental illness and/or substance use disorders, and their families. For people with these illnesses, the lack of access to treatment which can result from unequal insurance coverage for behavioral health services, can be an insurmountable impediment to recovery. NJAMHAA works to address this problem by being part of the New Jersey Parity Coalition, a statewide grassroots network that works to improve mental health parity in our state. The Parity Coalition is currently drafting a state bill that would direct the Department of Banking and Insurance to investigate and enforce parity compliance, and deliver an annual report to the Legislature, among other provisions.

Debra L. Wentz, PhD., NJAMHAA President and Chief Executive Officer, said that "with parity of behavioral healthcare coverage, not only will consumers have the opportunity to greatly enhance the quality of their lives, but there will also be tremendous cost savings to New Jersey and the nation."

In order to promote recovery from mental illnesses and substance use disorders, NJAMHAA is working with the New Jersey Parity Coalition to push for true parity for coverage and access to behavioral health treatment. NJAMHAA also encourages residents to seek treatment if they are struggling with mental illness and/or a substance use disorder. To locate treatment, residents can visit NJAMHAA's website at www.njamhaa.org.

10AM-Noon

Fiscal Year 2020 NJAMHAA Board of Directors

Officers

Chair: Robert Budsock, MS, LCADC, President & Chief Executive Officer, Integrity, Inc.

Vice Chair: Susan Loughery, MBA, Director of Operations, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton

Treasurer: Jacques Hryshko, MS, LPC, Executive Director, FAMILYConnections

Secretary: Mary Pat Angelini, MPA, CPS, President/CEO, Preferred Behavioral Health Group

Immediate Past Chair

Anthony DiFabio, PsyD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Acenda Integrated Health

At Large Members

Mary Gay Abbott-Young, MEd, LCADC, Chief Executive Officer, Rescue Mission of Trenton

Mary Jo Buchanan, LCSW, MPA, Chief Executive Officer, Ocean Partnership for Children, Inc.

Anthony Comerford, PhD, President & Chief Executive Officer, New Hope Foundation, Inc.

Alan DeStefano, MSW, Executive Director, Cape Atlantic Integrated Network for Kids

Julie Drew, LCSW, MPA, System Executive Director, Behavioral Health, AtlantiCare

Frank Ghinassi, PhD, ABPP, President and CEO Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care

Derry Holland, LCSW, Chief Executive Officer, Oaks Integrated Care

Erika Kerber, Esq., Director of Litigation, Community Health Law Project

Deb Megaro, MS, Chief Executive Officer, Capitol County Children's Collaborative

Lori Ann Rizzuto, LCSW, Executive Director, Atlantic Behavioral Health

Lou Schwarcz, MA, Chief Executive Officer The Bridge, Inc.

Theresa Wilson, MSW, LCSW, President and CEO South Jersey Behavioral Health Resources, Inc.

February 22^nd through February 28^th Is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

February 22, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health and substance use disorders. An article that was published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders (2020) indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic will likely increase the risk and symptoms of eating disorders. Some examples include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder. The article also states that the pandemic can both decrease factors that prevent eating disorders and exacerbate barriers to care. This is because the disruption to daily routines and limitations on outdoor activities could increase concerns about body shape and weight and those same circumstances can limit support and coping strategies. Video conferencing could provoke concerns about weight and appearance. The pandemic can also ignite fears related to a person's health and could increase symptoms of an eating disorder, such as restrictive dieting. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) states that eating disorders can negatively impact a person's cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and neurological systems. Inadequate nutrition can decrease the number of certain types of blood cells, including white blood cells which results in a decreased ability to fight infection. This contributes to the high mortality rate among individuals with eating disorders, which, according to verywellmind.com, is the highest among all mental illnesses.

"The COVID-19 pandemic and being inside or isolated can cause overeating or eating a large amount of unhealthy snacks out of boredom. Generally speaking, people do not often know that they have an eating disorder because the person does not consider their eating habits to be a serious problem. This is particular dangerous because eating disorders can cause a number of serious medical problems," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA.

It is also important to recognize that eating disorders impact people from all demographics and are not caused by one single factor. For example, according to the NEDA, people with disabilities could experience unique stressors, such as prejudice and being excluded from activities, that can contribute to the development of an eating disorder. The NEDA states that Black teenagers are 50 percent more likely than White teenagers to engage in bulimic behavior and Latinx adolescents are more likely to experience bulimia nervosa than non-Latinx individuals. Members of the lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-queer-or-questioning-plus (LGBTQ+) community are at a higher risk of developing eating disorders than heterosexual individuals due to a fear of rejection or experiences of rejection, internalized negative messages, and an inability to meet body image ideals in some cultural contexts. As a result, these groups can experience barriers to support and treatment.

"It is important to recognize that disordered eating impacts all types of people from different social groups. This awareness can be a critical component in eating disorder prevention, treatment and recovery. A person can be healthy at a range of different weights. We should also appreciate the differences that people have and treat people with respect, while also encouraging healthy behaviors and lifestyles," said Dr. Wentz.

February 22^nd to February 28^th is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which is hosted by NEDA. The goal of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is to bring attention to eating disorders through education, sharing resources and spreading a message of hope for recovery. The theme for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is "Every Body Should Have a Seat at the Table". This year, NEDA is encouraging marginalized communities to engage in conversations about raising awareness, share stories from individuals of all backgrounds and challenge systemic biases. Resources, such as infographics, presentations and videos, from the National Eating Disorders Association can be accessed here.

1:30PM to 3:30PM at NJAMHAA

12:30PM-2:30PM

12:00PM to 1:30PM

November 19th Virtual Conference Reinforces and Honors Providers' Vital Roles

After spending time - in some cases, years - in psychiatric hospitals or using Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services multiple times, individuals with serious and persistent mental illness often need ongoing support to transition back to their communities and rebuild their lives. Integrated Case Management Services (ICMS) providers empower individuals to thrive in these new circumstances by helping them to secure housing; develop life skills; pursue educational, vocational and employment goals; and continue with their mental, as well as physical, health care, both on their own and with the help of professionals. While ICMS work has always been challenging, as much outreach work is needed to engage individuals and serve them in their homes and communities, the pandemic has made this work more difficult. To fortify New Jersey's ICMS providers' endurance and resilience in their critical roles, the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) and the New Jersey Association of Integrated Case Management (NJAICM) will host a virtual conference, Delivering Hope Post-Pandemic, on November 19, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

"While the conference is open to all behavioral healthcare providers, we are focusing on ICMS case managers because they do so much under unique, challenging circumstances. This conference will provide opportunities to grow and learn, as well as to step back and highlight ICMS providers' critical importance to the entire mental healthcare system and especially to those they help on the journey to recovery," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA.

"ICMS teams are among the unsung heroes in the mental health field, rarely receiving the recognition they deserve for their daily acts of kindness and the emotional lives they save," said Anna Kline, MAE, Director of ICMS and Justice Involved Services, Preferred Behavioral Health Services. Kline also serves as Chair of NJAICM. "The conference presentations and awards ceremony will serve as a tribute to ICMS providers' many contributions to their communities and the vulnerable individuals they serve," Kline added, referring to ICMS Case Manager Awards that will be presented during the last portion of the conference.

The event will begin with an uplifting keynote presentation, Maximize your Greatest Wealth…Invest in Mental Health, by Carol A. Kivler, MS, CSP, a nationally recognized mental health speaker, international executive coach/trainer and author. In honor of Kivler's powerful advocacy and sharing of her personal experience with severe depression to inspire others with similar challenges, NJAMHAA will present her with the Hope and Inspiration Award.

Following the keynote presentation, concurrent workshops will address the following topics: self-care and compassion; the importance of health equity in case management; treatment of co-occurring disorders; and recognition of secondary traumatic stress and strategies for coping with it.

Please visit www.njamhaa.org/events to access additional program details and online registration.

1:30PM to 3:30PM at NJAMHAA

10AM-Noon

12:00PM - 1:30PM

1:30PM to 3:30PM at NJAMHAA

The White House recently hosted a National Conference on Mental Health, launching a much-needed initiative to increase awareness of mental illnesses and improve access to services. "Across the country, behavioral healthcare systems have been underfunded for a long time. This shortfall, as well as the lack of insurance coverage, has made it difficult for many to receive services," said Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA). "Meanwhile, the number of children and adults in need of behavioral health services has continued to grow - most recently due to the natural and manmade disasters and, over a longer period of time, due to the recession and persistent high unemployment rates, let alone any other struggles individuals may experience."

"We are very pleased that President Obama is leading this national initiative to educate all Americans about mental illnesses, eliminate stigma and ultimately ensure access to services for everyone in need. Requiring health insurance companies to cover mental healthcare and addiction treatment services is a critical first step that we applaud President Obama for taking as part of the Affordable Care Act," Dr. Wentz added.

"Mental illnesses, as well as substance use disorders, are real illnesses, just like cancer and diabetes. President Obama made a powerful point when he said we would not accept just a percentage of people with cancer or diabetes receiving treatment, and we should not accept the disparity for individuals with behavioral health disorders," Dr. Wentz said. "With the White House's evident dedication to improving the nation's behavioral healthcare system, I am confident that all Americans can look forward to receiving the help that they or their loved ones may need and, as a result, to enjoying the high quality of life that everyone deserves to have."

1PM-3PM

1:30PM to 3:30PM at NJAMHAA

Thursday, June 9, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Department of Human Services, 222 S. Warren St., First Floor Conference Room, Trenton, NJ


* Reynold A. Panettieri, MD, Professor and Vice Chancellor for Translational Medicine and Science, and Director of the Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science will deliver the keynote presentation on Advances in and Benefits of Personalized Medicine

*Panel Discussion: Providers' Roles and Importance of Collaboration in Transitioning Clients: A pharmacist, an advocate with experience in Accountable Care Organizations, children's and adults' mental healthcare providers and home care provider will share their insights on how providers in these diverse settings contribute to individuals' positive transitions from hospitals to services in community settings that foster their ongoing progress toward wellness, recovery and independence. They will reinforce the importance of collaboration among providers and share recommendations to foster such partnerships.

*Opioid Overdose Recovery Program/ Intervention after Narcan Reversal: Substance use treatment, recovery and prevention specialists will discuss how they engage individuals into treatment - for example, after reviving individuals from heroin or opiate overdoses - and help ensure they continue with treatment and post-treatment services to maintain sobriety.

*Panel Discussion: Two-Way Benefits to Gain, Challenges to Overcome:
Mental healthcare and substance use treatment providers, including peers - those who have lived experience with one or both types of disorders - will demonstrate the importance of peers in motivating, guiding and supporting individuals through all phases of treatment and recovery, including any setbacks that may occur. They will illustrate how both peers and the individuals they work with benefit from working with each other.

*Insurance Companies' Roles in Fostering Recovery: Tom Lane, CRPS, Senior Director, Consumer and Recovery Services, Magellan Health, will describe initiatives that healthcare management organizations are undertaking to further support individuals' progress toward wellness, recovery and independence.

Click here for more details and to register for this free yet priceless event!

10AM-Noon

11:00AM-1:00PM
Click here for more information

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1:30PM to 3:30PM at NJAMHAA

10AM - Noon

1:30PM-3:30PM

1:30PM to 3:30PM at NJAMHAA

10AM - Noon

February 23, 2018 -

The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) applauds the creation of NJ CARES, the New Jersey Coordinator of Addiction Response and Enforcement Strategies, within the Office of the Attorney General to oversee efforts throughout the Department of Law and Public Safety and establish partnerships to identify and implement solutions to the opioid crisis and drug addiction.

"The initiatives that will be undertaken by NJ CARES are much needed and appreciated, as New Jersey has the highest rate of opioid and heroin addiction in the nation, as well as a high prevalence of addictions to other substances," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA. "We are especially pleased to see that the Statewide Opioid Response Teams will be working around the clock to connect individuals to treatment services and that the NJ Prescription Monitoring Program will be expanded. We are confident that these components, along with the NJ CARES website and Interagency Drug Awareness Dashboard, will have a profound, positive impact on the lives of individuals with addictions and their families throughout the state."

"As 60 percent of individuals with addictions also have mental illnesses, we hope the Statewide Opioid Response Teams will also be trained to recognize mental health disorders and refer individuals to providers who treat both mental illnesses and substance use disorders," Dr. Wentz added.

1:30PM to 3:30PM at NJAMHAA

1:30PM - 3:30PM

1PM to 3PM at NJAMHAA

10AM - 2PM

February 11-18, 2019 Is Teen Suicide Prevention Week

In the past two-and-a-half weeks, three youth across the nation - an 11-year-old girl in New Mexico and two 13-year-old boys in Ohio and Michigan - took their own lives due to the hopelessness and isolation they experienced as a result of bullying, both in person and through social media. All of these news reports indicated that the students' schools were not responsive - either not immediately or not at all - when the staff was informed of the bullying behavior and the impact it was having on the youth.

"This is a tragic trend that needs to stop immediately. Children, especially adolescents, are going through difficult changes in their lives even if bullying were not a factor. The presence of bullying and its impact on youths' mental health underscore the critical importance of initiatives to prevent bullying; immediate investigations into claims of bullying; and prompt access to mental health services for students, both those who exhibit bullying behaviors and those who are victims of bullying," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA).

Bullying can be a significant factor in youths' depression, which is highly prevalent among adolescents. Other factors include peer pressure, academic expectations and the physical changes they are experiencing. Approximately 20% of adolescents struggle with depression and more than 8% of adolescents suffer from depression that lasts a year or more, as reported on MedicineNet.com. Signs and symptoms of depression include changes in youths' attitudes, emotions and behaviors that can lead to difficulties at school or home, in social activities or in other areas of life.

"Some of the signs and symptoms could be the normal ups and downs that adolescents - and, in fact, people of all ages - are bound to experience. However, an evaluation with a mental health professional or primary care provider should be sought if the symptoms persist for an extended period of time and are overwhelming for the individual," Dr. Wentz said.

1PM to 3PM at NJAMHAA

July 11, 2017

On June 29, Governor Christie sent the New Jersey Legislature a Reorganization Plan (Plan) that would transfer the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), in its entirety, from the Department of Human Services (DHS) to the Department of Health (DOH). The rationale in the Plan points to the "substantial body of research" supporting integrated care, argues that there could be cost-savings, and asserts that "only through… a public health approach can we overcome the stigma that for too long has characterized efforts to treat addiction". The Plan states that "DOH is best positioned to identify risk factors for addiction and mental health problems…, increase awareness about prevention and treatment, remove the stigma associated with receiving behavioral health treatment, address health disparities, and improve access to mental health and addiction services for all persons".

The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) has long supported, and worked toward, integrated care. The physical comorbidities that plague the population served by our members and have left them with a 25 to 37 year shorter life expectancy demands it. NJAMHAA has also held that "mental health is health", and participated in anti-stigma campaigns throughout its history. The rationale presented in the Plan matches these positions. However, serious concerns about the Plan cannot be ignored.

Last week, Legislative Counsel reached out to NJAMHAA for feedback on the proposed plan (which we were directed not to share at the time). NJAMHAA expressed both its support for integrated care and concerns about the proposed Plan, which were reiterated by NJAMHAA President and CEO Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D. in interviews on July 10 with both NJ Advance Media and NJ Spotlight and on July 11 with radio station WBGO . On Monday, Dr. Wentz also restated those concerns in a conversation with DOH Commissioner Cathleen Bennett. The Commissioner was both very positive and very open to hearing more about NJAMHAA's concerns. NJAMHAA is currently working to schedule a meeting with her.

The two equally most disconcerting aspects of the Plan are the timing of the move and the disconnect from the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (Medicaid). The community based behavioral system is just now transitioning to fee-for-service. Staff have been laid off, psychiatric time has been reduced, and changes have been made to business models - yet many agencies are still facing deficits for the current year. Undertaking another major systemic change while there is already such uncertainty and difficulty could be a significant disruption to addressing ongoing transition issues. We are concerned that the staff disruption caused by physical and administrative moves, potential layoffs, job-shifting, etc. cannot be afforded at this critical juncture.

Moving DMHAS without moving Medicaid would be a serious setback. Medicaid is an integral component of the community based system of care and the major player and payor in the current transition to fee-for-service. Our members' programs are, for the most part, licensed by DMHAS, but they also hold Medicaid licenses (in order to be able to bill Medicaid) and must adhere to Medicaid regulations throughout their programs. Because of the full involvement of both Divisions in mental health and substance use treatment programs, the majority of meetings that NJAMHAA holds with DMHAS include senior staff from Medicaid. DHS also established a number of new positions for senior staff to serve as a bridge between Medicaid and DMHAS. These strong collaborations, overlapping experiences and historical knowledge are vital to seeing the community based system of care maintained, especially during these early stages of transition.

There are other concerns, as well. True integrated care happens at the consumer level. For instance, NJAMHAA has been advocating for several years for changes to regulations that would allow agencies to more easily bring primary care services to their clients. Breaking down barriers to that would have a much more immediate impact on those served. While a move such as is proposed could be logical, it should be done in a planful manner with extensive input from all stakeholders, legislators and the public.

The Plan should appear in the New Jersey Register on July 17 at which time NJAMHAA will share information on how comments can be submitted during the 60 day comment period. The Legislature has the same 60 days to consider the plan and stop it with a Joint Resolution, should they so desire. If no such Resolution is passed, the plan will go into effect immediately. Legislative hearings are expected to be scheduled and NJAMHAA will keep you apprised of those dates, once known, and continue to provide updates on the Plan and reaction to it.

1PM - 3PM

October 10, 2017

MERCERVILLE, NJ - Hispanic Americans have increasingly become the center of national focus in the ongoing immigration policy debate. According to the National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA) and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the ethnic and racial rhetoric that permeated last year's national elections, as well as uncertain future prospects for undocumented people, have magnified the anxiety young Hispanics feel. While young Hispanics have the highest rates of depression of any ethnic group, they continue to encounter multiple barriers, including cultural and linguistic differences, in accessing healthcare services.

Hispanic Americans are the largest ethnic minority group in the United States, with one in six people identifying as Hispanic. In New Jersey, Hispanics make significant contributions to comprising the state's diverse communities: nearly one in five people living in the state are Hispanic, and more than one out of four babies born in the state in 2014 are of Hispanic origin, according to the Pew Research Center. New Jersey has the seventh-highest Hispanic population of all the states. However, nearly a quarter of Hispanics in New Jersey have no health insurance.

The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) is a trade association representing nearly 160 New Jersey community-based providers of behavioral healthcare services, which can be found in every county statewide and serve individuals of all backgrounds.

"Our member providers are located in communities all over the state, and in many areas with high concentrations of Hispanic residents. The clinicians who serve these populations themselves have diverse backgrounds, and many are trained in multicultural competency and providing services in English and Spanish. Our members are committed to helping all people who are struggling with mental illnesses or substance use disorders connect to services that will enable recovery in the way that works for them," said Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., President and CEO of NJAMHAA.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) recognizes September 15 - October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month to draw attention to the need to improve health equity, as well as celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans who, along with their ancestors, came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. OMH provides informational resources in English and Spanish to help individuals navigate their health insurance and make the most of their coverage.

NJAMHAA works to advance behavioral health awareness for the Hispanic population, as well as to bridge gaps in the delivery of essential services. Multicultural issues are always a salient subject of critical discussion at NJAMHAA's meetings and conferences; the 2017 Fall Behavioral Healthcare Meeting, Shaping Our Future, taking place on October 24 at the Pines Manor in Edison, will feature a workshop on working with the Hispanic population. Additionally, NJAMHAA's charitable subsidiary, the New Jersey Mental Health Institute (NJMHI), has conducted extensive research and reported on improving mental health outcomes for the Hispanic population through its nationally and internationally recognized project Changing Minds, Advancing Mental Health for Hispanics.

Through the work of NJAMHAA-affiliated groups and agencies, Hispanic people living in New Jersey have increased access to life-saving behavioral healthcare services that enable their families and communities to thrive. For National Hispanic Heritage Month, NJAMHAA encourages advocates to reach out to Hispanic communities, to be open to conversations about mental health from varying cultural perspectives, and to encourage the breakdown of financial, social, and cultural barriers that prevent too many Hispanic Americans from accessing behavioral healthcare services and living fulfilled lives.

1PM to 3PM at NJAMHAA

1PM to 3PM at NJAMHAA

"We are all very aware of the steady increase in misuse and abuse of drugs, especially opiates and heroin, over the past several years. However, what some of us may need to learn more about are the critical action steps we can take to help prevent individuals from misusing and abusing drugs and developing addictions. Whether we are in the healthcare industry, the law enforcement profession, the education field or any other occupation - and certainly as members of families and society - each of can and should do what we can to help rein in this epidemic and build healthier communities," said NJAMHAA CEO Debra Wentz at Taking Action to Prevent Substance Use and Addiction, an educational forum recently presented by NJAMHAA and its Life Sciences and Innovation Council, with support from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA. "There is not a single solution. We need a diversified portfolio type of approach, including prevention and a range of treatment options."

Dean J. Paranicas, JD, President and CEO of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey, stated, "The biopharmaceutical industry is committed to a multipronged approach to drug-abuse prevention. We foster broad stakeholder engagement to develop practical solutions, including proper storage, and prompt and safe disposal of medications."

Marissa Watkins, Director of Advocacy for PhRMA, shared reasons for properly disposing of unused medications at home - to prevent accidental poisoning and loss of privacy, as well as to prevent misuse, abuse and addiction - and tips for doing so: dissolve the medications in water and then in coffee, cat litter, sawdust or garbage; seal in a plastic bag; and discard in the trash.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's successful statewide Day of Collection event involving 25,000 residents in more than 450 communities in 2009 inspired the national American Medicine Chest Challenge, in which all 50 states participate. "Parents are the first line of defense in prevention," stressed Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership, which created a parent-focused website, TalkNowNJ.com.

The Mental Health Association in New Jersey operates NJ Connect for Recovery, the only call line in New Jersey dedicated to providing counseling specifically to individuals and families who are coping with addiction to heroin and prescription painkillers.

The Office of the Attorney General in the Division of Consumer Affairs operates Project Medicine Drop, which currently consists of 126 permanent medication collection sites throughout the state, will have 30 more by the end of this summer and has 40 additional sites planned.

In Sparta, Lt. John-Paul Beebe established the Police Youth Division, which runs a one-week program for students in 6th to 12th grades to learn about heroin, sexting, cyber-bullying and social media. "None of the kids who participated have gotten involved with drugs or crime," Lt. Beebe said.

In Hunterdon County, the Law Enforcement Adolescent Program (L.E.A.P.) divert youth who commit offenses from the judicial system and has them perform jobs and receive counseling, along with their families, at a local agency. The county also established One Voice, a program of faith-based organizations to address issues of concern.

Anthony Kearns, Hudson County Prosecutor, summed up the message of the day when he said, "Law enforcement is very caring and spearheads initiatives, like Narcan, but we can't do it alone. Law enforcement, prevention, mental health and substance use treatment professionals, educators and parents all have a role in preventing drug abuse."

1PM to 3PM at NJAMHAA

Join the Patriots for Parity Event, June 11, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Stockton College, Campus Center Theatre, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, NJ.

"We will hear from witnesses who have been denied treatment for mental illness or addiction, despite the federal parity law passed in 2008. Demanding the care we need, and are entitled to, is our responsibility. By documenting these stories, and standing together as one voice, we will make access to mental health and addiction care in New Jersey a reality," said The Honorable Patrick Kennedy, Former U.S. Representative and Co-founder of One Mind for Research, which seeks to increase resources and efficiency in brain disorder research.

Mr. Kennedy will also speak at the event on June 11th, along with Carol McDaid of the Parity Implementation Coalition. The event is sponsored by the college and the New Jersey chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD-NJ), and is being organized in partnership with the Parity Implementation Coalition, NJAMHAA and Mental Health Association in New Jersey. Following the testimonies, a panel discussion will take place to share further insights into the need for and value of parity. Panel participants will be Mr. Kennedy, Ms. McDaid and Senator Robert Singer (R-30th District); NJAMHAA CEO Debra Wentz, Ph.D.; Barbara Johnston, Director of Advocacy, Mental Health Association In New Jersey; and Candice Singer, Policy Research Analyst, NCADD-NJ.

There are so many tragic results of denying care and many invaluable benefits of ensuring treatment for mental illnesses and addictions. It is time to end discrimination and treat these illnesses the same way as all other chronic diseases. While significant progress has been made, much more needs to be done. Passing the federal Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act in 2008 and the Affordable Care Act in 2010 were important steps. Now, we must focus on ensuring that this parity legislation is fully implemented so that everyone in need of behavioral health services can benefit from the intention of these critical laws," Dr. Wentz said.

This event will serve as a kickoff to an ongoing campaign and everyone is encouraged to participate. Stay tuned for details, including opportunities to share your experiences relating to parity to bolster this critical advocacy effort.

10AM to 12PM at NJAMHAA

"Reports of suicide surface nearly every day, usually about teenagers and young adults. This is not a coincidence, as most mental health disorders develop between the ages of 14 and 25, and stigma and lack of education prevent people from seeking help. To address the suicide crisis, we must talk about mental illnesses," wrote Shauna Moses, Associate Executive Director of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA), in an op-ed that was published in the Trenton Times on November 23, 2013, which was International Survivors of Suicide Day. Survivors of suicide are defined as those who have lost loved ones to suicide. According to Moses, "We also need another kind of suicide survivor: those whose minds become invaded by suicidal thoughts, and then they get help and stay alive." She shares her experiences as a survivor of suicide - from both the traditional definition and her own definition - in another op-ed piece that was published in the Courier Post on November 21, 2013.

"Becoming educated is the first step. Attitudes in Reverse^® (AIR) educates teenagers and young adults and recently launched its In Their Shoes™ campaign to build empathy for those who are struggling," added Moses, who is also a member of the AIR Board of Directors. "Seeking services is the next step."

Behavioral healthcare providers are listed by county on the NJAMHAA website (scroll down the home page and click on the "Need Treatment" button on the left).

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July 6, 2020

MERCERVILLE - The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted a gap in the accessibility to treatment for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, compared to the general population. The APM Research Lab has independently compiled mortality data for Washington D.C. and 45 states. The data suggests that Black individualsexperience the highest overall mortality rates and the most widespread occurrence of disproportionate deaths is one in 1,500 people. The same data indicates that one in 2,300 Indigenous Americans and one in 3,200 Latino Americans have died from COVID-19. In comparison, one in 3,600 White Americans have died as a result of COVID-19. The mortality rate and loss can also be traumatic for the BIPOC community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that the reasons why BIPOC are more likely to contract and die from coronavirus are poor living conditions and work circumstances, being uninsured, potential language barriers, higher rates of chronic conditions at earlier ages resulting in higher death rates, and systemic inequalities.

These trends are also applicable to BIPOC communities accessing mental health treatment services and can result in unaddressed trauma. Black teenagers are more likely to attempt suicide than White teenagers, according to Mental Health America. Treatment can also be a barrier as Black individuals are offered medication and/or therapy at lower rates than the general population in addition to encountering stigma and judgement that prevent people from seeking treatment. A 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Hispanic, Latino or Spanish Origin or Descent from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that overall mental health issues are on the rise for Latino/Hispanic people between the ages of 12 and 49. Binge drinking, smoking, illicit drug use, and prescription pain reliever misuse are more frequent among Latino/Hispanic adults with mental illness, according to Mental Health America. Indigenous individuals also report experiencing serious psychological distress over a month's time 2.5 times more than the general population and begin to abuse alcohol and other drugs at younger ages and higher rates than all ethnic groups. However, many indigenous people experience poverty which results in economic barriers that prevent them from seeking treatmentif they are aware of it.

"The racial disparities that remain in society and in systems of care, including lack of access to mental health services in BIPOC communities, must be not only recognized but also addressed with solutions, especially during the COVID-19. Events such as the murder of George Floyd have underscored the increased anxiety and depression that exist in these in communities. If the barriers that BIPOC communities encounter are considered in a mental health framework, it would lead to more effective outcomes," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc.

This year's theme for BIPOC Mental Health Month is "#ImpactTrauma". The word "trauma" is associated with a frightening event, including exposure to violence, happening to someone. The short-term reactions to trauma include shock and denial, while longer-term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, and physical symptoms including headaches and nausea. Mental Health America states that people can carry trauma throughout generations due to historical adversities, violence and oppression. Using an intersectional perspective in frameworks and treatment allows providers to consider historical factors and can lead to more impactful outcomes. Click here to access the 2020 BIPOC Mental Health Month Toolkit from Mental Health America, which also includes sample language to use on social media.

10AM to 12PM at NJAMHAA

10AM to 12PM at NJAMHAA

NJAMHAA Annual IT Conference May 8, 2018

Keynote: The Moneyball CIO-Learning the Science of IT Decision Making  Scott MacDonald, PhD, MSc

Workshop A: Demystifying Hacking  Ken Romer, CIO, ITMS

Workshop B: Employment Law Overview  Heather Carco, Sr. HR Business Partner ADP Resource

Workshop C: Taking the Anxiety Out of Interoperability: A Proven Methodology for Integrations  Angela Ball, Integration Practice Manager Qualifacts

Workshop D: EHR Lessons Learned in a Fee-for-Service Environment  Denise Majka, AVP Easterseals New Jersey Solutions  Shelley Samuels, CIO Easterseals New Jersey Solutions

Workshop E: Implementing Employee Incentive Programs to Help Drive Higher Engagement  Don Hebert, National Program Manager Certipay

Workshop F: Leveraging Technology to Capture Outcomes and Demonstrate Value  Dennis Morrison, PhD

Workshop H: Engaging Clients Through Your Website  Greg Queen, Sales Manager  Alex Isaac, Senior Sales Executive

Workshop I: 2018 Cybersecurity Best Practices & Managing HIPAA Compliance on a Budget  Rashaad Bajwa, President and CEO Domain Computer Services, Inc.

10AM to 12PM at NJAMHAA

(MERCERVILLE, January 31, 2017) - After many months of advocates calling for a state solution to Medicaid rates that were woefully inadequate to cover the costs of providing medication management services, the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) announced today increases to reimbursement rates which are approximately double the current rates for psychiatrists providing these services. A new rate for APNs has also been published, which is 80% of the psychiatrist rates; state rates remain 90% of the psychiatrist and APN Medicaid rates.

The difficulty in increasing these rates was always that the codes that were used for billing for medication management services were also used by physicians across all specialty areas; no separate code existed for behavioral health professionals to use. Though it has not been made clear how the new rates will be billed.

The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) is grateful for all of the efforts at the DMHAS, and by others at the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services, and within the Administration. NJAMHAA President and CEO Debra L. Wentz stated, "This great step forward in making the transition to fee-for-service more viable for providers of medication management services was the result not only of NJAMHAA and many of its members making their voices heard and echoed by other stakeholders, but by those voices being listened to and acted on by our colleagues at the various state offices." Assistant Commissioner Valerie Mielke, in her email to providers on these new rates, acknowledged "the attention, collaboration and cooperation of… agencies has been extremely valuable to the process".

10AM to 12PM at NJAMHAA

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Keynote: A New Future for Behavioral Health: Using Public Health Models to Manage Population Health, Arthur Evans, PhD
Workshop 1A: How to Integrate Clinicians into Primary Care Practice, Raymond V. Tamasi, MEd, LADC, LCSW
Workshop 1B: Update on Models of Care and Outcomes for Youth Addictions Treatment, Marc Fishman, MD
Workshop 1C: NYS Medicaid Redesign: How to Transform a State Health and Behavioral Health System Overnight, Harvey Rosenthal, John J. Coppola, MSW and Phillip A. Saperia
Plenary A: Specialty Care Matters, Lori J. Leotta, LCSW and Richard A. Sheola
Plenary B: Assisted Outpatient Treatment: A Way Forward, Robert N. Davison, MA, LPC, Louis A. Schwarcz, MA and Kathryn E. Howie, LCSW



Thursday, April 14, 2016

Keynote: Preventing the Onset of the First Episode of Psychosis, William McFarlane, MD
Workshop 2A: The Wellness Respite Approach toward Crisis and Emotional Distress, Anne-Margaret Smullen, MA, CPRP, Peggy Swarbrick, PhD, FAOTA and Blossom Toussaint
Workshop 2B: Substance Use, Recovery, and Housing, Becky Vaughn, MSEd  HANDOUTS: Housing Convening Medicaid
Workshop 2C: Growing Greatness in Youth: The Nurtured Heart Approach, Frank Picone, MSW, LCSW
Workshop 2D: Implementing Rapid Access to Care, Vicki Sidrow, MPA and Joseph Ume, LCSW, CCS
Afternoon Plenary: Hospital and Community Based Collaboration Strategies for Improved Health Outcomes, Deborah Hartel, MSW, ACSW, Stanley Evanowski, LCSW, Perry Iasiello, MSW, LCSW and Lori Ann Rizzuto, LCSW
Workshop 2E: Engagement Strategies in Clinical Settings: A Review of Effective Behavioral Techniques to Engage and Activate Clients in Treatment, David Loveland, PhD  HANDOUT
Workshop 2F: Understanding Crossover Youth and How to Best Serve Them through Implementation of the Crossover Youth Practice Model, Macon Stewart, MSW
Workshop 2G: CCBHC Readiness: Updates and Strategies to Prepare for Implementation, Rebecca Farley, MPH


Click here for the 2016 NJAMHAA Annual Conference Program Book

A bi-partisan group of state legislators recently held a press conference on a series of bills to provide education about substance use disorders and implement other types of programs in an effort to prevent the development of such disorders, as well as other legislation to expand access to treatment and recovery support services. The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA), a trade association representing providers of substance use treatment and mental health care throughout the state, applauds the legislators for taking action in addressing these serious and prevalent health matters.

"We commend this group of legislators from both political parties for holding this critical conversation and getting essential actions under way to save lives throughout our state," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of NJAMHAA. "As the numerous bills that were introduced have many implications for substance use treatment providers and the individuals they serve, we ask all of our State Legislators that NJAMHAA be consulted for input before any of this legislation is finalized and enacted."

"While we applaud every effort to address addictions and are especially eager to get the opioid and heroin overdose crisis under control, we must take the time - before any legislation is passed - to ensure that it is thoroughly developed to effectively meet all of the objectives without unintended detrimental consequences. The provider community looks forward to working closely with the drafters of these bills to help achieve the greatest and most positive impact possible," added Linda Leyhane, CDA, Managing Director of Daytop Village of New Jersey at Crawford House and a member of the NJAMHAA Board of Directors.

Resources from National Associations:

• Resource Centers:
  
  • The Center for Health Care Strategies, Inc. has a COVID-19 Resource Center that includes general resources for states, general resources for healthcare professionals, telehealth, complex behavioral health and social needs, and children and youth.
  • United Hospital Fund's COVID-19 webpage, which includes to resources, analysis and commmentary related to the pandemic.
  • ECRI's website includes a COVID-19 Resource Center
  • The Joint Commission's COVID-19 Guidance
  • University of Massachusettes' Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research: COVID-19 Resources for Youth and Young Adults
  • The Disaster Information Management Research Center Disaster Lit®: Database for Disaster Medicine and Public Health database has recently been updated, and is now available.
  • Pro Bono Partnership COVID-19 Nonprofit Resources
  • Association of Fundraising Professionals' COVID-19 Resource Guide
  • LeadingAge New Jersey and Delaware's COVID-19 Updates
  • Goals of Care Coalition of New Jersey's website which contains COVID-19 updates
  • Various Federal Resources Shared by the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors

• Mental Health and Addiction:

• • World Health Organization: Mental Health and Psychological Considerations During the COVID-19 Outbreak
  • PsychHub's COVID-19 Mental Health Resource Hub
  • Shatterproof's Special COVID-19 Edition: Addiction Education and Support
    • Resources for Addiction Treatment Providers
  • Center for MH in Schools & Student/Learning Supports, UCLA: Mental Health and the Coronavirus
  • McKinsey & Company article about the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and substance use.
  • The Addiction Policy Forum's guidance on COVID-19 and Substance Use Disorder
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Mental Health and COVID-19
  • Active Minds: Supporting Families During COVID-19
  • The American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence's Guidance to OTP's Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • National Council for Behavioral Health is building a resource directory and sharing relevant tools. Click here to explore the directory. See the other resources from the National Council for Behavioral Health below:
  • • • • National Council's COVID-19 Guidance for Behavioral Health Residential Facilities
        • On March 19, Chuck Ingoglia and National Council staff held a Townhall meeting specifically for members of the behavioral health community - sharing the facts and answering questions from attendees:
        • • Click here for a recording of the Townhall
          • Q&A from the Townhall
          • Best Practices for Telehealth During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
          • Member Needs Chart and Resources
        • Congress and the Trump Administration have changed federal guidelines so that more practitioners may use telehealth during the COVID-19 outbreak.
        • This document is intended to provide you with the background and resources necessary to help you begin or expand your use of telehealth. For technical assistance, contact your Telehealth Regional Center here.
        • NIDA: COVID-19 potential implications for individuals with SUDs
        • Washington State Department of Health emergency response info
        • Caron Treatment Center's coronavirus-related protocols for treatment centers
        • Harm Reduction Coalition's guidelines for people who use drugs and harm reduction programs
        • Digital All Recovery Meetings by WEconnect, Unity Recovery and Alano Club

• • From Mental Health First Aid:
  • • How to Care for Yourself While Practicing Physical Distancing
    • How Do I Know Someone is Experiencing Anxiety or Depression?
    • How to Help Someone with Anxiety or Depression During COVID-19
    • How to Support a Loved One Going Through a Tough Time During COVID-19

• • National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors:
  • • Mental Health Considerations during the COVID-19 Outbreak
    • COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Health Care Providers Fact Sheet
    • Supplemental Guidance Regarding Use of Telehealth for People Served by OMH Licensed or Designated Programs Affected by the Disaster Emergency
  • Mental Health America's Mental Health and COVID-19 Resources and Information
  • NAMI National: NAMI Updates on the Coronvirus
  • National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors:
  • • Early Intervention in Psychosis: A Distance Education Course
  • University of Massachusettes' Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research:
    • Supporing College with Mental Health Conditions in the Wake of COVID-19
    • Working from Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic
    • Maintaining Your Emotional Wellbeing During COVID-19
    • COVID-19 Resources for Youth and Adults
  • Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America: Psychosis Support & Acceptance and Families for Care Call Support Groups
  • National Academy of Medicine:
    • Clinician Resilience and Well-Being Are Essential For Safe, High Quality Patient Care
    • Resources to Support the Health and Well-Being of Clinicians During the COVID-19 Outbreak
  • The National Center for PTSD: Helping People Manage Stress Associated with the COVID-19 Outbreak
  • • For Providers and Community Leaders
    • For Healthcare Workers
  • Mental Health Association in New Jersey, Inc.'s Resources to Respond to COVID-19
  • Responding to Pandemic Coronavirus: Mitigating Population Panic and Assuring Mental Health by Ron Manderscheid, PhD, Executive Director, National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors and National Association for Rural Mental Health Demystifying Psychosis for Family Members.
  • International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership and International Initiative for Disability Leadership:
    • Safe Australia (Mental Health guidance applicable outside of Australia as well)
  • United Hospital Fund's commentary "Will COVID-19 Change the Way We Look at Mental Health and Substance Misuse?"
  • National Institute of Mental Health: Shareable Resources on Coping with COVID-19

• Telemedicine/Telehealth:

• • American Telemedicine Association - Practical Guidelines for Video-based Online Mental Health Services
  • American Medical Association - Telemedicine: Connect to Specialists and Facilitate Better Access to Care for Your Patients
  • National Consortium of TeleHealth Research Centers - COVID-19 Telehealth Toolkit
  • National Telehealth Technology Assessment Resource Center- Home Telehealth
  • Northeast Telehealth Resource Center- Technical Assitance on Telehealth
  • Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation - Using Telehealth for Addiction Treatment
    • Enhancing Care Through Virtual Visits
  • Clinician's Guide to Video Platforms
  • Harvard's Medical School: Can Telehealth Flatten the Curve of COVID-19

• Healthcare Service Delivery and Compliance:
  • MTM Services COVID-19 resource page.
    • Just in Time Scheduling
    • HIPAA Compliance
    • Virtual Same Day Access
      • Part One: How to provide Same Day Access during a pandemic
      • Part Two: 5 steps to virtual Same Day Access
    • Collaborative Documentation
      • Part One: Introducing consumers to CD in a telehealth environment, including documenting your notes and updating your script
      • Part Two: Demonstrating how to actually do CD with a consumer in a telehealth environment
      • Part Three: Transitioning and wrapping up in a CD telehealth environment
• Health Inequalities:
  • Stemming the Risk of Disability Bias During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Psychology Associations:
  • American Psychological Association - Guidelines for the Practice of Telepsychology
  • Resources from the National Association for School Psychologists

• Aging:
  • AARP: Home Chronic Conditions Complicate Coronavirus Infections
  • U.S. Administration for Community Living: What Do Older Adult and People with Disabilities Need to Know about COVID-19
  • National Council on Aging:
    • Resources for Professionals
    • Resources for Senior Centers

• Resources for Homelessness and Supportive Housing:
• • The Corporation for Supportive Housing's Weekly Webinar Series: COVID-19 Cares Act Overview (Tues. April 21)
  • COHHIO: Guidelines for Establishing Hotels/Motels as Isolation, Quarantine, Respite or Emergency Shelters
  • HUD Daily Homelessness Resources
  • CSH COVID-19 Guidance for Supportive Housing Providers
  • Centering Equity in Times of Crisis and Uncertainty
  • National Health Care for the Homeless Council COVID-19 Resources
  • The Corporation for Supportive Housing's COVID-19 Supportive Housing Community Platform
  • CSH- Supportive Housing Training Center April Courses:
    • April 16 & 30- Property Management for Supportive Housing Providers ($100)
    • April 21- Trauma-Informed and Motivational Interviewing ($60)
  • CSH: COVID-19 Webpage
    • COVID-19 Budget and Expense Tracker Tool for Providers
    • COVID-19 Economic Impact Payment for Social Security Beneficiaries- A Statement from Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul

• Prisonners and COVID-19:
  
  • From Reentry Central:
    
    • Why Jails are Key to "Flattening the Curve" of COVID-19
    • Five Ways the Criminal Justicce System Could Slow the Pandemic
    • Human Outbreak Response
• National Institute of Health:
  • NIH National Cancer Institute: Coronavirus- What People with Cancer Should Know
  • Coronavirus and People with HIV

• Resources from Foundations:
  • The Diabetes Foundation has opened a hotline for individuals living with all types of diabetes to receive a free emergency backup kit. If you are in need of an emergency backup kit can apply to receive one by visiting the foundation's website or by calling 973-849-5234.
  • The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has compiled a list of resoruces related to COVID-19. This includes health justice strategies. Click here for more information.
  • The Flawless Foundation: Flawless Resources During COVID-19
  • The Jed Foundation: COVID-19 Tips and Resources
  • American Liver Foundation: Your Liver and COVID-19
  • American Transplant Foundation: Coronavirus and Transplant Patients
  • Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Coronavirus- What People with Asthema Need to Know
  • National Kidney Foundation: Coronavirus Information and Updates
  • National Osteoporosis Foundation: COVID-19 and Osteoporosis
• Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.;
  • A Message from the CEO Regarding COVID-19
    

    • Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. Announces Sozosei Foundation Donations of $500,000 to Local Charities to Support Those Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic

Miscellaneous Resources:

• General Information and Resources:
• • Live updates on countries' situation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization (WHO)
  • Interactive map of world-wide Covid-19 statistics
  • Johns Hopkins University - This website is a great resource to help advance the understanding of the virus, inform the public, and brief policymakers in order to guide a response, improve care, and save lives.
  • USA.gov
  • WHO's Advice on the Use of Masks
  • The Hazeldon Betty Ford Foundation's Butler Center's Compiled Research on COVID-19
  • Pfizer press release announcing that Pfizer and BioNTech have agreed to a letter of intent regarding the co-development and distribution (excluding China) of a potential mRNA-based coronavirus vaccine aimed at preventing COVID-19 infection.
  • Quest and Labcorp placed information on how to get Coronavirus tests on their sites.
  • Resources if you are seeking help, wanting to access treatment, and/or connect to a crisis counselor:
  • • FindTreatment.gov
    • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255)
    • Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
    • National Helpline (1-800-662-4357)
    • Crisis Text Line

• Mental Health:
  • From Hackensack Meridian Health Carrier Clinic: How to Manage Anxiety
  • From MyNorthwest: How to Manage Your Anxiety and Mental Health During COVID-19
  • Mental Health News Clips from April 1, 2020:
    • Addiction is "A Disease of Isolation"- So Pandemic Puts Recovery at Risk & Coronavirus Has Upended Our World. It's OK to Grieve.

      The Bergen Stigma Free Zone has posted positive news and leisurely activities. Click here for positive news and leisurely resources.

• Evidence-Based Programs:
• • MaineHealth's Coronavirus Information
  • WellMed's COVID-19 Information
• ThinkHR's on-demand webinar has Kara Govro, Senior Legal Editor, addresses their most common HR questions relating to COVID-19.
• Arudia has posted 30 tips for staying positive and productive during this crisis, which addresses working at home.
• Szaferman Lakind Attorney's at Law released an article with tips of the trade for working for home.

• Creative Blueprints for Leaders:
  • Embracing Balance in the Midst of a Pandemic
  • Blog, Leadership in a Pandemic: How to Successfully Lead Teams Through the Unknown

• Resources to Support Substance Use Treatment:
• • From Hackensack Meridian Health Carrier Clinic (a NJAMHAA member):
    • Online Intergroup: Alcoholics Anonymous
    • Online Meetings: Addiction Recovery
    • In the Rooms: An Online Addiction Resource
  • Free App to Support People in Recovery - Addiction Policy Forum has partnered with CHESS Health to launch the Connections App, a free smartphone app that is scientifically proven to support patients in recovery by reducing relapse and promoting pro-social engagement.
  • COVID-19: Potential Implications for Individuals with Substance Use Disorders
  • Contingency Management: A Highly Effective Treatment For Substance Use Disorders And The Legal Barriers That Stand In Its Way
  • Addiction in Isolation Adjusting to video-chat 12-step meetings.

• Resources for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities:
• • University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities COVID 19 Fact Sheet
  • The NADD's webinar "Trauma Treatment for Youth & Adults with IDD"
  • The Arc of New Jersey's COVID-19 resources for I/DD individuals
  • • Click here for a list of related programs and services that considers COVID-19.
  • Mencap - the voice of learning disability
  • Sign language videos from the Office of Disability Issues in New Zealand
  • Poster developed by the New York state Department of Health Center for Disability Rights

• Resources for Caregivers:
• • John's Hopkins' COVID-19: Caregiving for the Elderly
  • Alzheimer's Association's COVID-19: Tips for Dementia Caregivers

• Resources for Children:
• • From the Child's Mind Institute:
  • • Support for Kids with ADHD During the COVID-19 Crisis
    • Autism and the Coronavirus: Resources for Families
      Anxiety and Coping With the Coronavirus
    • Twice daily Facebook Live videochats featuring our expert clinicians
    • Remote evaluations and telemedicine
    • Flat-fee phone consultations for problem behavior
    • Daily parent tips on childmind.org, Facebook and Instagram at 8am
    • Comprehensive coronavirus resources for parents on childmind.org
    • Talking to kids about coronavirus
    • How to support children during the coronavirus crisis
    • How to avoid passing anxiety onto children
    • How to make home feel safe for kids:
    • • Click here to view on Instagram.
      • Click here to view on Facebook
      • Click here for the Child Mind Institute's comprehensive coronavirus resource page
    • Spanish Resources from Child Mind Institute:
      • Síganos en Facebook
      • Vea nuestro Facebook Live sobre ansiedad el viernes a las 11 a.m.
      • Cómo apoyar a los niños durante la crisis del coronavirus
  • WHO graphic about helping children cope with stress
  • How to Talk to Your Child from the Nemours Pediatric Health System
  • Art Therapy Ideas from the Catholic Charities Diocese of Trention
  • A Comic to Explain COVID-19
  • "Fighting the Big Virus: Trinka, Sam and Littletown Work Together"
  • Coalition for Compassionate Care of California's COVID-19 Conversations
• Families:
  • International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership and International Initiative for Disability Leadership: Actions and Resources Related to Family Violence Across IIMHL and IIDL Countries
  • Mom2mom Helpline Program

• Older People and Seniors:
  • Residential care, supported living and home care
  • Tips to help the elderly stay connected by Geriatrician Laurie Archbald-Pannone University of Virginia, US
  • ElderCare Locator (800-677-1116)
  • Local Area Agencies on Aging- find a local agency here.
  • Healthy Aging Academy

• Education:
• • Center for UCLA- Center for MH in Schools and Student Learning Supports
  • • Mental Health and the Crisis
    • National School Boards Association's guidance on the crisis

• Butler Human Services: Need Some Fun Ideas While Inside?

Keynote: Population Health - A Winning Strategy  David Nash

Plenary: Winning through Teamwork: Improving Outcomes with Comprehensive, Integrated Care and Data Analytics  Robert Garrett Donald Parker

Workshop A: Trauma and Your Workforce Supporting Staff in Change Management  Karen McGrellis Barbara Wilson

Workshop B: The Impact of Integrating a Mindfulness Based Program in Schools  Sonia Rodrigues-Marto Suzi Millar

Workshop C: Suicide Prevention with Children and Adolescents  Gerd Naycock

Workshop D: FFS Year 1- Reflections and Insights for Successful Service Delivery in a Value Based System and MCO Payment Environment  Donald Holman Leisha Thompson

Workshop F: Substance Use: Current Trends, Engagement Techniques, and the benefits of Wraparound supports  Crystal Wytenus

Workshop G: De-escalating Anger and Aggression in Aging adults: Strategies to Make It Work!  Mobin Chadha

Hilton Garden Inn, Hamilton

NJAMHAA Advocacy Piece 2021: Building a Bridge to a Better Future  

NJAMHAA's current advocacy piece, Building a Bridge to a Better Future, reinforces the need for the community behavioral system to be sufficiently funded in order to continue to serve as the safety net for New Jersey’s most vulnerable residents of all ages throughout the many systemic changes taking place and beyond. It highlights the messages we have been communicating about the transition to fee-for-service, as well as advocacy points that specif-ically relate to adult mental health, substance use and children’s service providers.

  One Page "Leave Behind": NJAMHAA FY2021/FY2022 Budget and Policy Priorities

New Jersey Legislators

How to find your State District/Legislators:

           Find your District by County/Municipality               Find your District by Municipality

    With either option, you may then click on:

         "District #” link: for a short list of legislators with contact information

         “Legislators for District #” link: for a list with pictures, biographical information (education, committees, and more) and contact information.

Alphabetical List of State Legislators

New Jersey Senate and General Assembly Leadership                                      

New Jersey Senate Committees                           New Jersey General Assembly Committees  

New Jersey Congressional Delegation – House of Representatives

New Jersey U.S. Senators   

Advocacy Materials

Workforce

• Increase to New Jersey's Minimum Wage Requires Investment in Contracts and Medicaid Rates
• COLA Chart 12 Years 
• Workforce Issues

Fee-for-Service

• Independent Fee for Service Transition Oversight Board initial report (October, 2019) 
• NJAMHAA Membership Survey Results: Deficits in Fee-for-Service Programs

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs)

• List of New Jersey’s CCBHCs

  National Council for Mental Wellbeing Reports

   

  OCT. 2021 Transforming State Behavioral Health Systems: Findings from States on the Impact of CCBHC Implementation

   

  AUG. 2021 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics and the Justice Systems

  MAY 2021 Leading a Bold Shift in Mental Health & Substance Use Care, CCBHC Impact Report (highlights)

   

  MAY 2021 Leading a Bold Shift in Mental Health & Substance Use Care, CCBHC Impact Report (full report)

  MAR. 2021 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics and County Governments, A National Model Tailored for Local Mental Health and Substance Use Care, (with the National Association of Counties)

   

  MAR. 2020 Hope for the Future, CCBHCs Expanding Mental Health and Addiction Treatment, An Impact Report

   

  Federal Reports

   

  SEPT. 2021 Medicaid Behavioral Health: CMS Guidance Needed to Better Align Demonstration Payment Rates with Costs and Prevent Duplication, U.S. Government Accountability Office

   

  SEPT. 2020 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Demonstration Program: Report to Congress, 2019, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

General

• Business Case for Investment in Behavioral Health
• Flyer - Achieving the Greatest Benefits
• 2016 Rutgers Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy study: The Economic Contribution of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Industry to the New Jersey Economy

For additional resources on specific bills and policy issues, see:  Current Advocacy Issues

NJAMHAA in the News

Advocacy Resource Archives

Have Great Laughs and Support a Great Cause!

September 28, 2012 * 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.at the Robert Wood Johnson Conference Center, HamiltonYou will be inspired by a comic and musical performance by a passionate father-daughter team who are on a mission to end loneliness -- one smile, one hug, one forever friendship at a time!Register today! Visit the Conferences section of www.njamhaa.org.

NJAMHAA

NJAMHAA

While "integrated care" has become the newest buzzword, behavioral healthcare providers who are members of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) have been demonstrating the value of integrated care in quality of life and fiscal impact.

"Because of the critical health problems confronting our population, we need to focus on a standard of care that is integrated care. It's as essential as psychotropic medications," said John Monahan, ACSW, LCSW, President and CEO of Greater Trenton Behavioral HealthCare and Chair of NJAMHAA's Integration Committee.

Millions of dollars are saved by the community behavioral health system in general, which includes various agency-based and community outreach programs. According to Monahan, New Jersey had 15,000 state and county hospital beds for treating individuals with mental illnesses in 1970. "If we had that today, we would be spending $2 billion a year. Instead, we are investing $1 billion each year not only for the hospital beds, but also community services," he said.

"These are great opportunities to save money and lives, and this is a time that requires a lot of creativity on all our parts," Monahan stressed. "We need to take resources for high-cost care in hospitals and redirect them to primary, preventive and specialty care to keep people healthier and save tax dollars."

Visit www.njamhaa.org for more details.

NJAMHAA

January 22, 2018

MERCERVILLE, NJ -The story of a New Jersey-born Pennsylvania State University fraternity pledge, who died from alcohol-related injuries in the beginning of last year, has been prominent in the news media for months, and now prosecutors are seeking criminal charges against fraternity members. Reports have indicated that Timothy Piazza, in what school officials called a "gross misuse" of alcohol during a "hazing ritual," consumed 18 alcoholic drinks during the 90 minutes prior to his deadly fall. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, nearly 88,000 people die each year from alcohol-related causes; while drinking under the age of 21 is illegal, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that this age group drinks 11% of all alcohol consumed in the United States, and shockingly, 90% of that consumption is through binge drinking.

Every year, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), one of the National Institutes of Health, releases a survey on substance use and attitudes among 8^th, 10^th, and 12^th grade students from a cross-section of hundreds of schools across the United States. The most recent Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey, released in December 2017, shows the encouraging trend that past-year use of illicit drugs other than marijuana has held steady at its lowest level in more than two decades. Even while the opioid crisis tragically ravages the young adult and adult populations, 12^th graders' use of prescription opioids has dropped significantly over the past five years. However, while it continues to fall or hold steady, this past year, daily marijuana use has exceeded daily cigarette use among 8^th, 10^th, and 12^th graders. Even while teen binge drinking has declined in recent years, tragic incidences such as the death of Timothy Piazza remain all too common. In order to educate teens about the implications of alcohol and substance use, the NIDA hosts the National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week.

"With the teenage years being such a time for learning and turbulence in a person's life, it is important to educate the youth on risks associated with drug and alcohol use, and to dispel myths and misconceptions, so that young people are equipped with the information they need to make healthy choices in their lives," said Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA). "We know that teen drug and alcohol use has mostly tended to decline in recent years, which means that young people are paying attention and awareness-raising initiatives like National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week are working."

The National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) is an annual health observance, taking place January 22-28, and this year's theme calls on advocates to "Shatter the Myths" about drugs. The NDAFW website, found at https://teens.drugabuse.gov/national-drug-alcohol-facts-week, includes promotional tools and resources for the observance, including booklets, event ideas, and planning guides. Schools and organizations participate in the observance by planning awareness-raising events and activities, and registering them through the NDAFW website.

NJAMHAA is a trade association representing 160 New Jersey community-based providers of behavioral healthcare services, which can be found in every county statewide and serve 500,000 individuals each year, including teens. Several NJAMHAA member agencies work with local school districts to provide behavioral health services to vulnerable children and youth, some of whom struggle with addiction. The NJAMHAA members who are hosting events during NDAFW are the New Bridge Medical Center, with a teens-centered program on decision-making, refusal skills, and protective factors, and Preferred Behavioral Health Group of New Jersey, with a day of fun educational activities aimed at shattering drug myths. Others will participate in social media campaigns to disseminate information.

Surveys such as the MTF demonstrate that teens' attitudes and behaviors with regard to drugs are constantly changing. Given that adolescence is the age when people are most likely to take dangerous risks, and the vast negative impacts teen alcohol and drug use can have on brain development, initiatives like NIDA's NDAFW are essential to help youths gain an accurate understanding of substance use and promote prevention.

A full listing of NDAFW events can be found on: https://teens.drugabuse.gov/national-drug-alcohol-facts-week/view-events-and-highlights/map (scroll down to view events in New Jersey).

According to the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, many symptoms of teenage substance abuse can be mistaken for typical adolescent behavior, which is why it is critical for parents to be attentive to their teenage children and to be prepared to have difficult conversations about drugs and alcohol. Some suspicious signs include: secretive behaviors, recklessness, problems with money, changes in sleep patterns or energy levels, mood shifts, problems with focus and motivation, hygiene issues, and mental and physical health symptoms such as depression, dramatic weight gain or loss, accidental injuries, vomiting, and/or many other potential red flags.

While NDAFW is a good place to begin discussions with teens about the myths and realities around substance use, these conversations need to be reinforced throughout the year. If a young person is struggling with substance use, local treatment providers can be found at //njamhaa.org/njamhaa-member-directory.

September 30, 2014

Key Business Strategies to Succeed in a Challenging Business Environment

In collaboration with the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris (MHAEM), the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) is proud to showcase a portion of the MHAEM Inside Out Project Group Action initiative at NJAMHAA's headquarters. MHAEM's traveling exhibit features 23 portraits of individuals whose lives have been impacted in some way by mental illness; some live with a mental illness, some are family members or caregivers for individuals with mental illness, and others work in the field of mental health care. The exhibit aims to raise awareness about mental health conditions and treatment, as well as reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. It exemplifies the notion that mental illnesses are often invisible and that anyone can have one, no matter their outward appearance.

When asked what prompted MHAEM's participation in this global art initiative, CEO Bob Davison, MA, LPC, explained, "We wanted to do a public works project to raise awareness in regard to mental health, mental illness, and more importantly, recovery." Davison selected Renee Folzenlogen, a family support counselor at MHAEM who specializes in art therapy, to lead the initiative. The portraits have been featured at many NJ Transit train stations, including Newark Penn Station and Secaucus Junction.

Folzenlogen explained her personal thoughts on the exhibit and the value that she sees in it, saying, "A colleague recently told me, 'It's amazing how mental illness brings people together.' I thought this was a brilliant notion because we more often think of mental illness as divisive, isolating and marginalizing. I'm excited to see the ripple effect of each person's story and how creating a safe space really brings people together in a truly joyful and hopeful way."

"We are delighted to feature the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris' Inside Out Project Group Action in our office space and at our Annual Conference. Ending the stigma associated with mental illness is critically important, and this event allows people to see the faces of people who have been impacted by mental illness in one way or another - they look just like you and me. We hope that by raising awareness about mental illness, treatment and other supportive options, we can combat the stigma that prevents many from seeking help, and that this helps to restore hope," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA.

A portion of the Inside Out Project Group Action is currently showcased at NJAMHAA, 3635 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 35, Mercerville, NJ. A representative installation will be on display for attendees of NJAMHAA's Annual Conference, The Ivy League of Behavioral Health, Policy, and Practice in Action, on April 15-16 at the Crowne Plaza Princeton, Plainsboro, NJ. Details and registration for the conference is available at www.njamhaa.org/events#ivy.

The Inside Out Project was created by JR, a French artist who was the recipient of the 2011 TED Prize for his work to promote the diversity of the human experience. Each exhibit features large-scale and close-up photographic portraits of individuals in order to make a statement for the message that they are trying to convey; topics have included gender equality, diversity, and climate change. Since its inception, the global initiative has had 300,000 participants in 140 countries.

NJAMHAA

Don't miss "A True Welcome Home: Ensuring New Jersey Veterans' Successful Return through Resources and Support," an important conference that will be held on February 7, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Robert Wood Johnson Conference Center in Hamilton, NJ. The conference is being presented by the New Jersey Mental Health Institute (NJMHI), in partnership with University Behavioral HealthCare (UBHC) and Community Hope, Inc., providers of behavioral healthcare services for veterans and many other populations; the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; the Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma; and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Jersey.

Three Reasons Why Everyone Should Attend This Conference:

1. Help Prevent Military Suicide

Army suicides have increased by at least 54 percent since 2007 when there were 115 and, despite a suicide-prevention campaign that the Army launched in 2009, suicides in the Army have increased by another 9 percent. Furthermore, more soldiers died by suicide than in combat last year, according to the Department of Defense.

"The Department of Defense has been proactive in developing new strategies to reduce suicides but, as with civilian populations, effective interventions have remained elusive," said Christopher Kosseff, MS, President and CEO of UBHC, which operates the Vets4Warriors and Vet2Vet helplines and offers a variety of programs to help veterans cope with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. "It is clear that the pervasive stresses and unique risks of military life, particularly during wartime, foster an environment conducive to suicide."

Kosseff will present a workshop, Military Suicide from a Public Health Perspective, during the conference.

2. Discover Valuable Resources for Veterans and their Families

Visit the following exhibitors to learn of the valuable services they provide:
• Carrier Clinic
• Community Hope, Inc.
• Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
• Department of Veterans Affairs
• Essex County Community College
• Hampton Behavioral Health Center
• NAMI New Jersey
• New Jersey Division of Civil Rights
• New Jersey State Parole Board
• University Behavioral HealthCare - Vet2Vet and Vets4Warriors helplines
• Warren County Community College

Plus, behavioral healthcare providers, veterans, family members of veterans and state leaders will share strategies for overcoming barriers to receiving support and for accessing and making the use of the many resources available throughout the state.


3. Get Inspired

Congressman Jon Runyan (R-3rd District) will receive the United for Veterans Honored Federal Leader Award from NJMHI.

Congressman Runyan serves on the House Armed Services Committee and its Tactical Air and Land, and Readiness Subcommittees, as well as the Veterans Affairs and Natural Resources Committees. He has authored, sponsored and co-sponsored several bills designed to support veterans, all of which garnered much support from his fellow House delegates and several of which were signed into law.

Veteran Eric Arauz will deliver what promises to be an unforgettable keynote presentation An American's Resurrection: A New Jersey Veteran's Journey from Trauma to Triumph, if his vivid book by the same title is any indication - and it is, without a doubt! Arauz is also President of AIE-Arauz Inspirational Enterprises, LLC, an international training and consulting company based in East Brunswick, and a well-known speaker throughout and beyond the country. He was recently selected to participate in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) Voice Awards Fellowship Program, which is "designed to give peer leaders in the behavioral health community the opportunity to shape public perceptions of mental health and substance use recovery through storytelling," as described on SAMHSA's website.

For more conference details, visit www.njamhaa.org and access the online registration page through the Conferences section.

Please register online before 5:00 p.m. today (Tues., Feb. 5th) or register on-site if needed; please bring your registration fee payment with you. Thank you.

NJAMHAA

October 10, 2017

MERCERVILLE, NJ - The behavioral health industry is rapidly shifting, particularly in New Jersey. With the ongoing transition to fee-for-service billing and the upcoming change to value-based reimbursement, the transfer of mental health and addiction services from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Health, and Governor Christie's new initiatives to address the opioid epidemic -in addition to federal changes in the healthcare system-behavioral health providers need the resources and support to tackle upcoming changes.

The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) is a statewide trade association representing nearly 160 organizations that serve New Jersey residents with mental illnesses, substance use disorders and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities, and their families. In keeping with its mission to promote the value of its members as the highest quality behavioral healthcare providers for the residents of New Jersey through advocacy and professional development, NJAMHAA offers extensive educational and networking opportunities at its upcoming Fall Behavioral Healthcare Meeting, Shaping Our Future, which will be held on October 24, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 4;15 p.m. at the Pines Manor in Edison.

The conference will feature Kristin M. Woodlock, RN, MPA, as keynote speaker, addressing emerging issues in the ever-changing healthcare system, and how organizations can be successful through the upcoming systemic transitions. Ms. Woodlock is a former Acting Commissioner and Executive Deputy of the New York State Office of Mental Health, where she oversaw the largest public mental health system in the United States. She also led New York City's Federation Employment and Guidance Service (FEGS) Health and Human Services, one of the nation's largest non-profit human services agencies, through a tough period of fiscal and operational restructuring, safely and compassionately transitioning its more than 125,000 clients to services with other providers. Ms. Woodlock is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Woodlock & Associates, a New York-based consultant for non-profit health and human services agencies providing services in risk assessment, turnaround management, complex corporate and program restructuring, leadership coaching, short term executive placements, and many more issues that behavioral health agencies may experience.

The Fall Behavioral Healthcare Meeting will feature a multitude of educational speakers, offering the latest information on clinical and organizational management issues within the industry. The Fall Behavioral Healthcare Meeting sessions will focus on key underserved populations with critical needs, delving into crucial topics such as youth with suicidal ideation, ethical issues in treating older adults, the impact of screen time on children's mental health, LGBTQI youth and substance use, improving outcomes for Latinos, and creating a culture of trauma-informed care, among other important clinical topics.

Industry leaders will offer insights into strategies to help behavioral health agencies stay on top of market trends and improve their efficiencies and bottom lines. Speakers will address emerging issues, including the place of telehealth in behavioral health treatment; using implementation science to ensure compliance with evidence-based practices; improving consumer engagement with the treatment process; and transitioning to fee-for-service.

The Fall Behavioral Healthcare Meeting is an annual conference that offers agency executives, mid-level managers, and clinical staff opportunities to meet with fellow professionals at a wide range of human services organizations across New Jersey, and discuss ideas for making every aspect of their businesses better. Through its engaging educational sessions, NJAMHAA is proud to offer up to 4.75 continuing education units to attendees seeking credits in social work.

NJAMHAA works to advance the behavioral health industry in New Jersey. The Fall Behavioral Healthcare Meeting is an exciting initiative that helps build the state's behavioral health community by offering a day filled with educational opportunities and networking in one place at a low cost.

For details and to register, please visit www.njamhaa.org/events.

NJAMHAA

October 21, 2014 - Pricing
Focusing on a Bright Future by Strengthening Behavioral Healthcare

March 22, 2021

March 22nd through March 28th Is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week®

On February 22, 2021, Governor Phil Murphy signed three bills that legalize cannabis for recreational use, decriminalize marijuana and establish civil penalties for individuals under the age of 21 who are caught possessing marijuana. Opponents argue that the legalization of marijuana could perpetuate teens' misguided notion that marijuana is safe. Marijuana has negative impacts on individuals' brains, especially in adolescents, whose brains are still developing. The U.S Surgeon General, Jerome Adams, states that frequent marijuana use during adolescence results in adverse changes in areas of the brain involving attention, memory, motivation and decision-making. The Surgeon General also notes that the risk for psychotic disorders increases with the frequency of use.

"With more states legalizing marijuana and as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is critical that young people are educated about the effects that marijuana and other substances have on their development. Education promotes healthier lifestyles and empowers teens to make informed decisions about drugs, so they could potentially avoid adverse health, financial and social consequences of substance use. That is why events such as National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® are important. They allow adolescents to engage with a neutral party that will provide them with accurate information about the impact that alcohol and drugs have on their bodies," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably impacted mental health, it has had a particular impact on adolescents' mental health, and self-medication with marijuana and other drugs is common. The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy reports that mental health insurance claims for teenagers doubled early on in the COVID-19 pandemic. It also stated that the pattern of mental health claims remained consistent through November 2020; however, it remained 19 percent higher than in 2019. Substance use disorder and overdose-related health claims also rose among 13-to 18-year-olds. Youth with mental illness or substance abuse can have negative impacts on their academic performance, responsibilities at work and relationships, as well as exacerbation of physical health conditions.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) is an annual observance that encourages dialogue about the scientific perspective of substance use and addiction among young people. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual National Drugs and Alcohol Chat Day has been canceled to focus on new virtual content that will be available from Monday, March 22nd through Sunday, March 28th. NDAFW was originally launched in 2010 by scientists at the NIDA, which hosts educational events in communities so adolescents can learn about the science behind addiction. The week brings together scientists, students, healthcare providers, educators and community partners to raise awareness and help prevent substance misuse. Federal partners include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute of Mental Health, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office of Minority Health and the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. Organizations and advocates can either host their own events or express support by sharing information about NDAFW on social media.

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The Huffington Post (www.huffingtonpost.com) recently reported that one U.S. veteran dies by suicide every 65 minutes.

We must work together and do all we can to stop this tragic trend!

Military suicide is clearly a major public health issue. Please attend - and encourage others to attend - "A True Welcome Home: Ensuring New Jersey Veterans' Successful Return through Resources and Support" on February 7, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Robert Wood Johnson Conference Center in Hamilton, NJ.

Visit the Conferences section of www.njamhaa.org for details and to register.

Please register online by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 or register on-site if needed. Please bring your registration fee payment with you.

Thank you for joining us in this critical information-sharing opportunity that will contribute to ongoing efforts to address this distressing issue.

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It was so inspiring to hear youth share how they are benefiting from services provided by members of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) during Back to School: Take a Breath - and Pack a Good Mental Health Tool Kit, an event that NJAMHAA and Attitudes in Reverse® held on September 10, 2013, which was National Suicide Prevention Day. For example, 17-year-old Nicki said - just five months after she became a resident in Cape Counseling Services' Rainbow of Hope program - "I'm a completely different person. I smile a lot more and I'm a lot more confident than I was at this time last year. Rainbow of Hope gave me hope for my future."

Another young speaker at the event was Nathan, who began working with Youth Advocate Programs (YAP) about 13 months ago and is now working toward earning a graduate equivalency diploma. "I'm grateful to share the opportunities that Youth Advocate Programs has offered me. With my parents' and YAP's support, I can achieve my dreams," Nathan said.

Nearly 100 behavioral healthcare providers, educators and staff from various state departments heard these inspiring success stories. Such first-hand accounts probably make the most powerful, positive evidence of why behavioral healthcare services must always be available and accessible. These stories need to be shared as much as possible to everyone: behavioral healthcare stakeholders, such as those who attended the National Suicide Prevention Day event; policymakers and legislators in the state and federal governments; and members of all communities in all roles and of all ages.

Together, we can share the inspiring good news farther and wider, and potentially secure much stronger support from our state and federal governments.

Case in Point: Carrier Clinic

Carrier Clinic publishes a quarterly newsletter, Connections, to educate current and future donors, funders, clients and their families about the value of the services they provide. And here's another coincidence: the current issue features Shauna Moses, NJAMHAA's Associate Executive Director.

"A few months ago, I was at Carrier for an event that my boss Debbie and several of our Board members participated in and afterwards, I mentioned to Heather Steel, Carrier's communications director, that I'd be more than happy to provide a testimonial if she needed one. I was thinking along the lines of a small quote on their website or in a brochure. Two weeks later, Heather called me asking if I would be willing to be featured in their newsletter," Moses said. "I didn't hesitate to agree to do this. Although I'm not one to seek attention, I will take any opportunity to share my story because it's part of my mission to help save lives. After all, Carrier Clinic saved mine. And I'm honored to have opportunities to help others through my work at NJAMHAA, as well as my volunteer work with Attitudes in Reverse® (AIR), which is also featured in this newsletter. Thank you, everyone, on Carrier Clinic's treatment and communications teams!"

NJAMHAA practices what we preach by sharing links to Carrier Clinic's publication here, on Facebook and through other social media outlets.

Holiday Blues Could Be Worsened by Ongoing Pandemic
and Last into the New Year

December 21, 2021

While the holiday season is a joyful time for many people, especially for those who are able to reunite with friends and family after long separations due to the pandemic, this is unfortunately not the case for many other individuals.

The blues can occur not only during the holidays, but also before and afterwards.

“Self-care is critical at all times and may be more difficult to focus on during the holiday season, which is often emotionally trying and stressful,” said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA).

Click here for more information.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Resources:

• New Jersey's COVID-19 Vaccination Plan (Prepared by the New Jersey Department of Health)
• New Jersey Department of Health's COVID-19 Vaccination Resources and Weekly Newsletter Vax Matters
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Vaccine Resources
  • Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination

NJAMHAA in the News

Coronavirus Resources

To help everyone stay informed about the coronavirus and recommendations that have been shared by various resources, NJAMHAA has consolidated resources. Click here to access links.

Race and Behavioral Health Resources

NJAMHAA has compiled a list of resources related to race and mental health. Click here to access the links.

Table of Contents:

Reports_All_Clients.pdf
? 
? Budget
? Children’s
? Criminal Justice System
? Developmental Disabilities
? Health Care
? Housing
? Integrated Care
? Mental Health
? Misc.
? Substance Use
? Training
? Workforce
? Passed

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Community Providers Offer Integrated Care that Saves Lives and Money

Some progress has been made toward eliminating stigma against mental illnesses and substance use disorders, mostly due to the realization that these illnesses are real illnesses and that mental health is an integral part of overall health. Therefore, it is logical for everyone to be treated as a whole person through integrated care, not through a fragmented healthcare system in which primary and behavioral healthcare providers do not communicate or collaborate with each other.

"When the results of an eight-state study conducted by the Missouri Department of Mental Health revealed in 2006 that adults with serious mental illness live 25 years fewer than the general population, NJAMHAA was propelled to do even more in this area," said Debra Wentz, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of NJAMHAA. "Many of our members have been expanding their services to assist individuals not only with managing mental illnesses and substance use disorders, but also physical diseases and many other factors that contribute to poor health, such as unhealthy lifestyles, substandard housing or lack of housing, unemployment and undeveloped life skills. They even accompany clients to appointments with doctors to build a comfort level and to ensure that the patients understand and follow physicians' instructions," Dr. Wentz said.

"Our members take the initiative in identifying and meeting all the needs of the individuals they serve. We are also proactive as a trade association. For example, we established a Committee on the Integration of Physical and Behavioral Health, which, among other projects, developed recommendations for state officials to incorporate into their proposal for Behavioral Health Homes. This is an exciting project that will bring integrated care to a higher level and several of our members in the first two counties to be involved are eager to participate," Dr. Wentz added.

"By emphasizing consumer skill development, Behavioral Health Homes help consumers shift to an empowered position, where they can manage their own health and achieve improved health outcomes that reverse the major health disparities confronting those with behavioral health problems, improve their quality of life, reduce health costs and save tax dollars. In the process, Behavioral Health Homes help transform the larger healthcare system from one providing high-cost emergency and inpatient services - with no improvement in health status for all the funds expended - to one focused on prevention, maintaining healthy lifestyles, early intervention, illness management and timely primary care," said John Monahan, ACSW, LCSW, NJAMHAA Board member and President and CEO of Greater Trenton Behavioral HealthCare.

Monahan's agency is part of the Mercer County Integrated Care Collaborative (MCICC), along with a Federally Qualified Health Center and three other local behavioral health agencies. The program has achieved substantial improvements in management of diabetes and cholesterol levels; and significant reductions in emergency room visits and hospitalizations related to psychiatric reasons and substance use.

Another NJAMHAA member agency, CarePlus NJ, Inc. in Paramus, has an integrated care program housed solely in its own facility. Like MCICC, this program improved diabetes management and lowered cholesterol levels. In addition, the CarePlus clients receive colonoscopies and mammograms, leading to early cancer detection; prevent certain illnesses through the staff's use of an on-site nebulizer and EKG machine; and participate in nutrition-education and exercise programs at the agency.

"Clearly, the services that our members provide are invaluable. They are saving lives by managing illnesses and preventing others from developing, as well as addressing many other issues that affect people's health," Dr. Wentz said. "Mental Health Month presents an important opportunity to highlight the services that are available and how they contribute tremendously to the quality of individuals' lives."

"It is also important to recognize that community-based providers of integrated healthcare and support services help strengthen the state's bottom line: By improving people's health and greatly reducing the need for emergency room and inpatient hospital care, the state saves millions of dollars each year. Several more millions of dollars are saved by reducing absenteeism in workplaces and preventing homelessness, as well as illness-related behaviors that lead to incarceration," Dr. Wentz said. "As the state trade association representing organizational providers, we advocate on their behalf for sufficient funding and other support to ensure they can serve everyone in need. NJAMHAA is committed to recovery and wellness for all individuals."

Click here for more insight into the value that community-based providers contribute not only to New Jersey residents' lives, but also to the state's bottom line.

March 22, 2021

March 22^nd through March 28^th Is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week^®

On February 22, 2021, Governor Phil Murphy signed three bills that legalize cannabis for recreational use, decriminalize marijuana and establish civil penalties for individuals under the age of 21 who are caught possessing marijuana. Opponents argue that the legalization of marijuana could perpetuate teens' misguided notion that marijuana is safe. Marijuana has negative impacts on individuals' brains, especially in adolescents, whose brains are still developing. The U.S Surgeon General, Jerome Adams, states that frequent marijuana use during adolescence results in adverse changes in areas of the brain involving attention, memory, motivation and decision-making. The Surgeon General also notes that the risk for psychotic disorders increases with the frequency of use.

"With more states legalizing marijuana and as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is critical that young people are educated about the effects that marijuana and other substances have on their development. Education promotes healthier lifestyles and empowers teens to make informed decisions about drugs, so they could potentially avoid adverse health, financial and social consequences of substance use. That is why events such as National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week^® are important. They allow adolescents to engage with a neutral party that will provide them with accurate information about the impact that alcohol and drugs have on their bodies," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably impacted mental health, it has had a particular impact on adolescents' mental health, and self-medication with marijuana and other drugs is common. The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy reports that mental health insurance claims for teenagers doubled early on in the COVID-19 pandemic. It also stated that the pattern of mental health claims remained consistent through November 2020; however, it remained 19 percent higher than in 2019. Substance use disorder and overdose-related health claims also rose among 13-to 18-year-olds. Youth with mental illness or substance abuse can leave negative impacts on their academic performance, responsibilities at work and relationships, as well exacerbation of physical health conditions.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) is an annual observance that encourages dialogue about the scientific perspective of substance use and addiction among young people. Due to the

COVID-19 pandemic, the annual National Drugs and Alcohol Chat Day has been canceled to focus on new virtual content that will be available from Monday, March 22^nd through Sunday, March 28^th. NDAFW was originally launched in 2010 by scientists at the NIDA, which hosts educational events in communities so adolescents can learn about the science behind addiction. The week brings together scientists, students, healthcare providers, educators and community partners to raise awareness and help prevent substance misuse. Federal partners include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute of Mental Health, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office of Minority Health and the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. Organizations and advocates can either host their own events or express support by sharing information about NDAFW on social media.

NJAMHAA

Information on the following resources was obtained from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services:

SELF-HELP RESOURCES

Tips to strengthen your emotional well-being before the arrival of a hurricane-This tip sheet from the American Psychological Association (APA) provides ways to recognize common emotional reactions and steps to prepare for a hurricane that will be helpful in safeguarding the emotional well-being of the survivor. //www.apa.org/helpcenter/hurricane-preparation.aspxBe Red Cross ready: Hurricane safety checklist-This tip sheet from the American Red Cross explains how to prepare for a hurricane. //www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340160_Hurricane.pdf (Also available in Spanish at //www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4440162_Hurricane_SPN.pdf)

Managing traumatic stress: After the hurricanes-This website from APA describes common reactions to hurricane events, and provides tips for hurricane survivors for understanding and coping with these feelings, thoughts and behaviors. The tip sheet also describes how psychologists and other mental health providers can help those who have severe or prolonged reactions that disrupt daily functioning. //www.apa.org/helpcenter/hurricane-stress.aspx

Managing traumatic stress: Dealing with the hurricanes from afar-Individuals who are not directly and physically impacted by a hurricane can still feel anxiety and distress related to the storm. This fact sheet from APA provides coping tips for dealing with these reactions. //www.apa.org/helpcenter/hurricane-afar.aspx

Be Red Cross ready: Taking care of your emotional health after a disaster-This fact sheet from the American Red Cross explains normal reactions to a disaster, what a survivor should do to cope, and where to seek additional help if needed. //disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/media/899/emotionalhealth.pdf

Mass disasters, trauma, and loss-This fact sheet from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies includes information on common stress reactions to mass disaster, trauma, and loss. It explains how to minimize these reactions and when to seek professional help. //www.istss.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=PublicEducationPamphlets&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=1464

SAMHSA Disaster Kit-This kit contains psychoeducational materials to help guide effective response during and after a disaster. Materials also deal with workplace stress and can be used to educate the general public on disaster concerns. Kits can be ordered from the SAMHSA Store by calling 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727) or the materials can be downloaded electronically. //store.samhsa.gov/product/SAMHSA-Disaster-Kit/SMA11-DISASTER

RESOURCES FOCUSED ON CHILDREN:

Childhood traumatic grief educational materials for parents-These factsheets from the National Child Trauma Support Network (NCTSN) describe childhood traumatic grief, how it differs from other kinds of grief, common signs and other tips for parents. //www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/parents_package1-15-04.pdf (Also available in Spanish at //www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/GriefSpanishComplete.pdf)

Helping Children Cope with Disaster-This booklet discusses what parents and teachers can do to help children cope after a disaster. //mmrs.fema.gov/pdf /library/children.pdfHurricanes-NCTSN also provides several webpages with specific information on hurricane readiness, response and recovery. //www.nctsn.org/trauma-types/natural-disasters/hurricanes

RESOURCES FOCUSED ON OLDER ADULTS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES:

Hurricane health tips: Stress, adults and seniors-This webpage describes the stress reactions that are common for adult and senior hurricane survivors, including coping techniques, and a step-by-step description of the phases of disaster recovery.//www.jhsmiami.org/body.cfm?id=1622

Older adults and disaster: Preparedness and response-This guide from the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation helps older adults, their family members, and their caregivers to prepare for and respond to disasters. The webpage describes who is most vulnerable, lists actions that can be taken before and after a disaster strikes, and provides a list of resources for additional support. //www.gmhfonline.org/gmhf/consumer/disaster_prprdns.html

Psychosocial Issues for older adults in disasters-This booklet gives mental health professionals, emergency response workers, and caregivers tools to provide disaster mental health and recovery support to older adults. Defines "elderly" and explores the nature of disasters and older adults' reactions to them.//store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA99-3323/SMA99-3323.pdf

What you need to know about...helping the elderly recover from the emotional aftermath of a disaster-This one-page fact sheet lists common reactions older adults may have after a disaster and warning signs that someone may need extra help, as well as strategies to help older adults with their special needs. //www.dshs.state.tx.us/preparedness/factsheet_elderly_emotional_recovery.pdf

Disabled people and disaster planning-This website provides recommendations to reduce or eliminate the barriers to access that many people with disabilities experience after disasters. //www.citycent.com/dp2

Hurricane health tips: Special needs and the elderly-This webpage provides tips for those who have special needs to help prepare for a hurricane, including information on what items to pack, and how to evacuate or find shelter.//www.jhsmiami.org/body.cfm?id=1621

Individuals with access and functional needs-This website was developed by the Department of Homeland Security in consultation with AARP, the American Red Cross, and the National Organization on Disability. It provides recommendations for creating an emergency supply kit for people with disabilities. //www.ready.gov/individuals-access-functional-needs

Tips for first responders- This 28-page booklet provides tips for responders during emergencies and routine encounters to accommodate and communicate with people with disabilities. Separate sections address populations including seniors; people with service animals, autism, multiple chemical sensitivities, or cognitive disabilities; and people who are hearing or visually impaired. It is available in both English and Spanish. //cdd.unm.edu/dhpd/tips.asp

TIPS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND OTHER CARE PROVIDERS:

Self-care for disaster behavioral health responders podcast-SAMHSA DTAC's 60-minute podcast provides information, best practices, and tools that enable disaster behavioral health responders and supervisors to identify and effectively manage stress and secondary traumatic stress through workplace structures and self-care practices. //www.samhsa.gov/dtac/selfcareDBHResponders/selfcareDBHResponders-presentation.pdf

Tips for managing and preventing stress: A guide for emergency response and public safety workers-This fact sheet gives organizational and individual tips for stress prevention and management for emergency response workers and public safety workers. It describes normal reactions to a disaster, signs of the need for stress management, and ways to handle stress.//www.nd.gov/dhs/info/pubs/docs/mhsa/disaster-tips-managing-stress-for-emergency-response-public-safety-workers.pdf

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While Governor Christie's address on the FY 2015 state budget focused on a full payment toward pensions for state employees, the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) is pleased that his proposal includes increases of $200 million for Medicaid; and increases of $24 million and more than $30 million for children and adults, respectively, for community-based mental health, substance use and developmental disabilities services.

"We are grateful to see a commitment in the Administration to support delivery of critical services for children and adults who have mental illnesses, substance use disorders, developmental disabilities or a combination of these illnesses," said Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of NJAMHAA. "We look forward to continuing to work with Governor Christie, his staff and the State Legislature to meet the massive unmet demand for treatment and support services, which have been proven effective for enhancing the quality of life for children and adults, as well as saving the state at least $1 billion each year."

Visit www.njamhaa.org for more details.

We are currently testing the events calendar.

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NJAMHAA has designed the program for its Annual Conference, Inspiring Progress, Seizing Opportunities, to provide all staff and provider organizations the knowledge and skills they need for them to succeed both as individual professionals and as organizations. To achieve this goal, NJAMHAA has lined up experts to present workshops on topics along several tracks: Clinical - Adult Mental Health; Clinical - Substance Use Disorders; Organizational; and Children & Youth.

Plus, nationally renowned experts will deliver keynote and plenary presentations from which attendees will gain not only invaluable knowledge, but also keen insights into current and future situations of the state's and nation's mental healthcare and substance use disorder treatment systems.

* Day 1 Keynote: Current Advances in the Science of Mental Illness, Husseini K. Manji, MD, FRCPC, Global Therapeutic Area Head, Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, LLC

* Day 1 Plenary: An Update on Federal Policy and its Implications for your Day to Day Operations, Paul N. Samuels, Director and President, Legal Action Center

* Day 1 Plenary: Breaking Bad: Is Risk Resilience?, Genevieve E. Chandler, RN, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and Eric C. Arauz, President, Arauz Inspirational Enterprises LLC

* Day 2 Keynote: Serving Individuals in the Criminal Justice System: An Overview of the Population and Best Practices, Fred C. Osher, MD, Director, Health Systems and Services Policy, Council of State Governments Justice Center

* Day 2 Plenary: Redefining Behavioral Health Delivery and Outcomes in New Jersey, Elizabeth Manley, MSW, Director, New Jersey Children's System of Care, and Lynn A. Kovich, MEd, Assistant Commissioner, New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services

Click here for all the program details and to register.

This is the link:

//www.cvent.com/events/2015-njamhaa-annual-conference-inspiring-progress-seizing-opportunities/agenda-3b906543c3f940d8bd2adf6828f3bddf.aspx

Click here for the NJAMHAA BILL ROOM

NJAMHAA

NJAMHAA's Mission Statement

NJAMHAA’s mission is to promote the value of its members as the highest quality behavioral healthcare providers for the residents of New Jersey through advocacy and professional development.

Impact

Today, the vast majority of individuals with serious mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders (SUD), as well as thousands of other persons with common behavioral problems, live and receive their services in the community. The hospital-based and freestanding behavioral healthcare providers (providers of treatment and support services for individuals who have mental illnesses and/or SUD) that comprise the membership of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) are the roots of this community-based system. Providing mental health and SUD treatment services to children and adults, regardless of their ability to pay, NJAMHAA’s members is key to the well being of the residents of New Jersey. For more than seven decades, NJAMHAA has fostered the growth and vitality of this system. Through advocacy, education, training, mutual support, development of key partnerships and a variety of services, NJAMHAA assists agencies committed to improving the availability and quality of behavioral health services throughout the state.

NJAMHAA is comprised of the leading mental healthcare and SUD treatment providers who treat New Jersey residents with either or both of these health conditions, as well as their families. Our membership represents organizations in every county and almost every community statewide. In aggregate, our members help 500,000 children and adults with mental illness and SUD issues and employ 61,000 members of the state's workforce.

Advocacy

Established in 1951, NJAMHAA has become recognized as a leader in providing effective advocacy and legislative support to our members and the community at large. In fact, NJAMHAA was honored by the National Council for Behavioral Health with the Advocacy Leadership Award for Organizational Excellence in June 2020.

Our association creates a face for the population of individuals with mental illness and/or SUD who often have no voice of their own. Making sure individuals with behavioral health disorders are no longer invisible, ignored or misunderstood, NJAMHAA is in the national forefront fighting stigma and discrimination against persons with mental illness and/or SUD, helping them to improve their lives. We educate the public, as well as legislators and other government leaders. By leaning on our comprehensive support structure, our members stay focused on providing a high-quality continuum of care to ensure the recovery of adults and children dealing with mental illness, behavioral and emotional problems, and addictions.

Although we continue to evolve, one thing always remains constant: Our commitment to providers, individuals receiving services and their families, and our efforts help to improve their lives.

Our presence is highly visible to policy makers and state and federal legislators on a consistent basis. NJAMHAA has access to key contacts in Trenton and in the nation's capital and our influence is extensive. Because of the large and comprehensive constituency of provider organizations we represent, NJAMHAA is a highly respected voice for the industry. Known for our persistence and perseverance, we are relentless and successful in our advocacy efforts on behalf of our members, and the individuals and families they serve.

Click here to read more about what NJAMHAA is all about in our identity piece and here for details on our advocacy successes in our FY2021 Annual Report, From Pandemic to Possibilities.

Click here for details on NJAMHAA's growth and impact throughout its 70-year history.

Click here to watch a video in which Governors Codey, McGreevey and Chris Christie, past and present NJAMHAA Board members, additional members, and other behavioral healthcare stakeholders share their views and memories of NJAMHAA's impact throughout its history.

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The U.S. Senate passed the 21st Century Cures Act (H.R. 34), a $4.8 billion bipartisan bill that includes provisions from the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2016 (H.R. 2646) and the Mental Health Reform Act of 2016 (S. 2680), as well as language from the Mental Health and Safe Communities Act of 2015 (S. 2002) and the Comprehensive Justice and Mental Health Act (S. 993).

"We are very excited about this historic legislation and that it will be signed by President Obama, as he had indicated in a statement soon after the Senate passed the bill," said Debra Wentz, Ph.D., President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA). "This bill includes Congress' first approval of funding to address the nation's growing opioid epidemic and by far makes the most extensive changes to the U.S. mental health system in more than 10 years. It has been heartening to hear President Obama and our Congressional delegates express their shared concerns for individuals with mental illnesses and substance use disorders and passage of this landmark bill builds confidence that these devastating illnesses, as well as cancer and other serious physical diseases, will get the research and treatment focus they need to ultimately be cured."

The legislation includes $1 billion in funding to address the opioid addiction crisis; about $1.6 billion for research on treatments for Alzheimer's and other brain diseases; $1.4 billion for President Obama's "precision medicine" initiative; and $1.8 billion is dedicated to Vice President Joe Biden's "cancer moonshot" program. The law also reauthorizes mental health programs overseen by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, including the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act, which provides grants to states for suicide prevention. In addition, the bill calls for the establishment of a suicide prevention technical assistance center and a new suicide prevention and intervention program for individuals aged 25 years and older; and will provide grants to support integration of pediatric mental health care into primary care.

In addition to these treatment and research funding provisions, H.R. 34 raises the stature of mental health and substance use disorder services at the federal level by creating an Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use; authorizes grants for Crisis Intervention Training programs, which instruct law enforcement personnel and other first responders on interacting appropriately with individuals with mental illnesses and substance use disorders (SUDs) to prevent incarceration. Of utmost importance, the law will require new federal guidance on compliance with mental health and SUD parity requirements and fund programs to strengthen the mental health and SUD workforce.

"All of these initiatives are greatly needed, as they will give individuals with mental illnesses and substance use disorders opportunities to manage these illnesses while addressing physical health conditions. As a result, be able to pursue other goals to create meaningful lives for themselves," Dr. Wentz said. "NJAMHAA applauds and thanks our federal leaders for making mental health and substance use care priorities and taking action through this momentous legislation."