NJAMHAA-70th-anniversary-publication

14 “Over the years, NJAMHAA’s advocacy became more structured and more ingrained. NJAMHAA is the brand; it’s no longer individuals. NJAMHAA has a reputation in Trenton that’s going to outlast any individual participation,” added former Board mem- ber Bob Davison, MA, LPC, Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris. “NJAMHAA will continue because of that brand.” “We positioned NJAMHAA to look at policy is- sues that affected access to care and delivery of high-quality services and further expanded in hav- ing members valued as businesses, not viewed as nonprofits pleading for money,” Dr. Wentz said. A related change was expanding membership eligibil- ity for providers to include for-profit organizations, as many of the legislative, policy and regulatory issues affect both non-profit and for-profit providers. “NJAMHAA recognized the value of encouraging all providers to contribute to the content and, there- fore, effectiveness of its advocacy,” she explained. All of this general progress and, of course, numerous specific achievements were accomplished while many changes were occurring in society and in behavioral health systems in the state and across the nation. Many of the positive changes resulted from advocacy efforts by NJAMHAA, either alone or in partnership with other stakeholders. 1996 - NJAMHAA was a major force in the passage of the Mental Health Parity Act through strong advocacy to Congresswoman Marge Roukema (R-NJ). - NJAMHAA created the Managed Health Care Council and Pharmaceutical Advisory Council (now the Life Sciences and Innovation Council). 1995 - The State of New Jersey’s Redirection Plan was implemented to prepare for the closure of Marlboro State Psychiatric Hospital in 1998. 1997 - NJAMHAA inaugurated the Grassroots Advocacy Network (now called Partners in Advocacy). - NJAMHAA’s Mugshots public service announcement campaign was launched. 1995 - NJAMHAA determined the need for an internal lobbyist and hired Debra L. Wentz, PhD. - NJAMHAA had 98 members, which represented the majority of New Jersey’s mental healthcare providers. 1996 - Congress passed the Mental Health Parity Act, requiring large group health plans to have equal annual and lifetime dollar limits on mental health and medical/surgical bene ts. - The rst integrated dual Medicare/Medicaid plan was implemented in Wisconsin. 1998 - Google was rst used for online research, making information about health issues and providers readily available. - President Clinton called on Congress to pass an enforceable Patients’ Bill of Rights to end discrimination in mental health insurance coverage. “Over the years, NJAMHAA’s advocacy became more structured and more ingrained. NJAMHAA is the brand; it’s no longer individuals. NJAMHAA has a reputation in Trenton that’s going to outlast any individual participation.” - Bob Davison, Former NJAMHAA Board Member