NJAMHAA-70th-anniversary-publication

36 “H istorically, there has never been enough funding. Since I came to NJAMHAA, I think we have made some amaz- ing progress,” Dr. Wentz said. There is a wealth of evidence of such prog- ress, as funding for behavioral healthcare services has been preserved nearly every year and several increases were made, even during financially challenging times. “Every year, NJAMHAA’s budget advocacy for men- tal health and substance use services keeps our system funded and vibrant,” said Lou Schwarcz, MA, Chief Executive Officer of The Bridge, who became involved with NJAMHAA in the late 1990s and has been serving on the Board since 2014. “People might not have noticed this impact when there were no funding increases or regulatory re- lief. We were kept largely whole,” said Bob Davison, former NJAMHAA Board member. He noted that this was in comparison to other states where budgets were virtually decimated at times. “NJAMHAA is a connector of organizations with state government, a way for people to come togeth- er and discuss relevant policy issues. As the years progressed, NJAMHAA has had more influence on decisions in Trenton that im- pact people’s day-to-day lives,” Schwarcz said. “My consumers and their families have bene- fited. This is the place where people are heard and voices are lifted to the chambers of state govern- ment.” Two of the most recent examples of NJAMHAA’s successful advocacy for funding are $108 million in Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed FY2022 budget to increase rates for children’s services and full resto- ration of a proposed 100% funding cut in Governor Murphy’s revised FY2021 budget for the School Based Youth Services Program (SBYSP). According to current NJAMHAA Board Vice Chair Jacques Hryshko, reinstating funding for the SBYSP “was a magical moment. It came about because of the infrastructure that Deb and the staff have built, the connections they have with providers and the state. NJAMHAA is an expert in organizing campaigns and was ready at the drop of a hat. NJAMHAA had a toolkit that was ready to go,” he said. “Without NJAMHAA’s advocacy, many children would have been deprived of these vital services,” said Al Bassetti, MA, LPC, Director, Employee Assis- tance Program and Emergency Services at Hunter- don Medical Center and current chair of the Mental Health Emergency Services Association. “NJAMHAA’s leadership and ability to organize and speak to legislators and the Governor’s Office means so much to most of the population around the entire state. NJAMHAA’s work vitally impacts the lives of real peo- ple every day,” Bassetti added. Sustaining and Increasing Funding “NJAMHAA’s work vitally impacts the lives of real people every day.” “NJAMHAA came to the forefront to be the voice of how mental healthcare needs can best be met.” – John Monahan, Former NJAMHAA Board Chair - Al Bassetti, Hunterdon Medical Center