NJAMHAA-70th-anniversary-publication

42 A s NJAMHAA evolved over the years, so has its member communications – in content, as the changing times required, and in format and frequency as new technologies emerged and the amount of information grew. In the 1970s, the trade association launched a news- letter and in 1990, member communication was completed primarily through mid-month mailings, which consisted of chronological updates. Just two years later, NJAMHAA began to send broadcast fax alerts. “When I started, I realized there is a plethora of infor- mation and it took an inordinate amount of time to read through it. I envisioned a ‘Reader’s Digest’ that would encompass local, state and national reports, legislation, and clinical and member news, as well as practice group minutes. However, when NJAMHA News (News Journal Assisting Mental Health Agencies) reached 72 pages, it became unwieldy and I decided to restructure the different types of information,” Dr. Wentz said. Fortunately, many people and organizations were using e-mail and the Internet by that time, and NJAMHAA has been using these tools to efficiently share a tremendous amount of information in a timely manner. Over time, e-mail communication increased so much that a further need to consolidate information was recognized. This reality inspired the creation of Newswire in 2013. Newswire shares news affecting the state and national behavioral health systems, as well as NJAMHAA’s advocacy efforts and successes, and training and funding opportunities from various sources. “Hands down, Newswire is the most comprehensive association newsletter, not just in the state, but also in the nation. We compile facts, data and resources for members so they don’t have to go elsewhere,” Dr. Wentz said. The larger NJAMHAA News became a quarterly pub- lication that showcases members’ innovations, achievements and impact. State and federal gov- ernment leaders also receive NJAMHAA News as part of the association’s strategy to secure and increase support for members’ programs. Communicating Effectively with Members, Government and Media “NJAMHAA provides invaluable advocacy on behalf of its membership, which gives individual organizations a louder, stronger and more encompassing voice.” – Mary Pat Angelini, current NJAMHAA Board Secretary Walking a Tightrope Maintaining a Behavioral Health Balance 1