NJAMHAA-70th-anniversary-publication

33 “I look for every opportunity possible to represent NJAMHAA,” Dr. Wentz said, noting that in addition to serving on every incoming governor’s transition team and chairing one of those teams’ mental health and SUD workgroups, she served on many state commit- tees, including the Integrated Health Advisory Panel and the Task Force on Heroin and Other Opiate Use by New Jersey’s Youth and Young Adults. Previous governors remember the impact that Dr. Wentz and NJAMHAA have had over the years and they continue to work with the association. “Seemingly, NJAMHAA has always been part of my political world for ideas, advocacy and creating a con- text for mental health and substance use treatment services. There have been many collective efforts between NJAMHAA and the State Legislature,” said Governor James McGreevey, currently Chairman of New Jersey Reentry Corp. “Deb’s engagement with the State Legislature and providing substantial in- formation dramatically shaped NJAMHAA as a non- partisan source of information. When I was governor, NJAMHAA was very important for addressing budget- ary issues, understanding reimbursement schedules and increasing access to drug treatment. NJAMHAA is still a great resource.” “In the second half of my life, I’ve had a focus on reentry, and I’m grateful for NJAMHAA’s leadership. In the old school of reentry, if someone survived six weeks after release from jail or prison, it was a miracle because behavioral health wasn’t addressed. NJAMHAA was instrumental in reversing this,” Governor McGreevey added. “If it weren’t for NJAMHAA, many of our clients wouldn’t have a second chance. In many cases, NJAMHAA gave meaning to having a second chance.” Governor Chris Christie, Founder of the Christie Insti- tute for Public Policy, said, “The work NJAMHAA does day after day, year after year, and decade after decade has saved lives and continues to save lives every day. They’ve been an active partner with me and I’ll con- tinue to be a partner with them.” “NJAMHAA provided me with information that is nec- essary to make the case to change public opinions,” Governor Christie stated. “NJAMHAA didn’t care if I was Republican or Democrat, conservative or liber- al, and stood with me if I was willing to do the right things. Their passion is for the people they serve and ensuring they get the treatment they need in a way that’s viewed as fair and just in our society.” Governor Christie noted that NJAMHAA will contin- ue to be very busy as the state’s focus shifts from COVID-19 to mental health and substance use dis- “NJAMHAA is still a great resource, and I’m grateful for NJAMHAA’s leadership.” – Governor James McGreevey “NJAMHAA and its agencies took the lead in designing community services.” – Dennis Lafer, Former, Deputy Director Division of Mental Health Services “Everything about NJAMHAA is forward thinking, well thought out and backed with facts. NJAMHAA’s voice has always been very powerful.” – Theresa Wilson, Current NJAMHAA Board Member