NJAMHAA-70th-anniversary-publication

30 B efore Dr. Wentz joined NJAMHAA, the associa- tion did not have a presence in state or federal government. “I brought contacts I had from for- mer roles in state government and previous advocacy work, and we expanded on them and became very ef- fective in our advocacy,” she said. “I became the face of NJAMHAA. Whenever I walked into a room, every- one knew who I was representing. We gained entrée to all of the governors and their staff, commissioners of key departments and their teams, and New Jersey’s federal delegation. On occasion, we went beyond to other Congressional members throughout the nation on specific issues,” Dr. Wentz added. “Advocacy and policy are at the heart of what NJAMHAA does. Our policy is very overarching and positively impacts all types of providers: mental health, substance use and social services; and peer- run agencies, organizations serving families and those serving the youngest to the oldest. We address both cross-cutting issues and service- and population- specific matters,” Dr. Wentz said. “NJAMHAA has such strength in policy advocacy that aspiring gubernatorial candidates, legislators and media representatives have reached out to us. We are a powerhouse of information.” Both current and former Board members have reinforced the value of Dr. Wentz’s connections. “NJAMHAA brings the human side to government from the perspectives of providers and people served. It’s about sustainability for the communities of New Jersey and being able to provide quality services and systems that work for the people they’re designed to work for,” said Susan Loughery, current NJAMHAA Board Chair. “NJAMHAA created good access to the decision mak- ers – lawmakers, state agencies – and the advocacy is tremendous,” said Jim Lape, MA, MBA, FACHE, former Vice President, Behavioral Health and Senior Services, Trinitas Regional Medical Center and a former NJAM- HAA Board Chair. “Membership is a great investment for any provider.” Building Relationships with Elected Officials and Policy Makers “NJAMHAA created good access to the decision makers – lawmakers, state agencies – and the advocacy is tremendous. Membership is a great investment for any provider.” - Jim Lape, Former NJAMHAA Board Chair In 1994, NJAMHAA convinced Governor Christine Whitman not to include behavioral health in Medicaid Managed Care and met with her in 1995.