NJAMHAA-70th-anniversary-publication

38 N JAMHAA’s core membership consists of provid- er organizations that range in size from those that have one or two programs to serve specific populations to agencies that serve individuals of all ages with a broad array of services in multiple coun- ties. “I’ve always been very impressed with the ability of NJAMHAA to serve multiple constituencies and to pivot,” said former NJAMHAA Board Chair Deborah Megaro. “NJAMHAA developed a unique capacity to respond to diverse members and make everyone feel included. There’s a unique environment with NJAMHAA that’s welcoming and supportive. Whether you’re a small or large agency, you get the same amount of attention.” “Every issue that’s brought to NJAMHAA is viewed as a crucial matter and gets the highest priority atten- tion,” current NJAMHAA Board member Mary Gay Abbott-Young emphasized. NJAMHAA’s dedication to serving all members is clearly demonstrated not only in its advocacy on both systemic and service-specific issues, but also in the variety of practice groups and councils it facilitates to gain members’ insights into the challenges they face. Although limited resources led to the NJAMHAA Board’s decision to consolidate some of the 20+ practice groups in 2014, providers who previously had their own groups continued to have opportunities to address their issues through the newly created groups – Addictions and Adult Mental Health – in addition to those that stayed intact: Chief Financial Officers and Children’s, as well as several that are focused on information technology (IT). To create even broader networking and informa- tion-sharing opportunities, NJAMHAA established the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Council in 2011 with the goal of ensuring continuity of medically necessary care for beneficiaries with chronic condi- tions and a robust network of providers and compre- hensive formularies. “I value the fact that NJAMHAA brings all the players together and does this in an unusually creative way. I don’t know of any other venue where we, the providers, are talking with managed care organizations, as well as to the state and each other,” said Linda Gochfeld, MD, former Medical Director for SERV Behavioral Health System and a former NJAMHAA Board member. Serving a Diverse, Stable and Growing Membership “There’s a unique environment with NJAMHAA that’s welcoming and supportive. Whether you’re a small or large agency, you get the same amount of attention.” – Deborah Megaro, Current NJAMHAA Board Member The Neuman Building, Suite 102 3575 Quakerbridge Road Mercerville, NJ 08619 Ph. 609-838-5488 Fax: 609-838-5489 www.njamha.org Ne w Je r s e y As s o c i a t i o n o f Me n t a l He a l t h Ag e n c i e s , In c . Established more than 55 years ago with five mental health clinics, tod ay … W ho We Are… How We Have We are a organization committed to improving the l ives of individuals wi th mental i l lness. G r o w n growing, thriving New Jersey Associat ion of Mental Heal th Agencies, Inc. ...Fostering the Growth of Community Mental Health Services We are 125 of the leading nonprofit, community mental health providers who treat, serve and support New Jersey residents affected by mental illness, offering them a hand on the road to recovery and wellness. Our members employ 85,000 individuals, including counselors, case managers, social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric screeners, emergency service workers and nurses in every county in the state who serve children and adults in need of mental health care and behavioral services more than 1 million times annually. We are a powerful voice in Trenton, the New Jersey state capital, and in Washington D.C., ensuring the concerns of our members and those they serve are considered by elected officials and policy makers. We are a tireless advocate for the 1 in 5 persons who live with a mental illness – many of whom are unable to speak for themselves. We are a priceless resource for community mental health care agencies, providing training, information and a multitude of services. We are an invaluable partner for businesses and affiliated organizations. Stemming the Stigma of Mental Illness…