NJAMHAA 75th Anniversary

20 75 th Anniversary Partnership with NJCEH Aims to Fully Serve Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Since 85% of the homeless population are in shelters and 50% of them need behavioral health services, it was natural for NJAMHAA and the New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness (NJCEH) to work together. This formal partnership was established in July 2025 and expanded its scope in 2026 in light of the forthcoming new federal Medicaid requirements for beneficiaries to work, volunteer or be in school and submit documentation on these activities due to the signing into law of H.R. 1. By receiving services to address mental illnesses, substance use disorders and social determinants of health while in shelters, individuals are significantly more likely to achieve lasting positive outcomes, including continuation with meaningful treatment, when they secure their own housing, employment and the supports to successfully live in the community. NJAMHAA and NJCEH are developing strategies to enlist behavioral healthcare professionals to provide clinical care and case management/coordination at the shelters on a regular basis, now that they are able to bill Medicaid for these services under a state law that was NJAMHAA secured amendments to the telehealth statute to allow clients to receive services at any location and permit the provision of audio-only services during COVID. “ NJAMHAA has been invaluable to all of us, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic. Our world has been completely turned upside-down. NJAMHAA collaborates with members to ensure, even while we’re in the midst of a pandemic, that we remain focused on our North Star, which is to provide essential services to many people in the State of New Jersey who are desperately in need of help. ” Robert J. Budsock, MS, LCADC Former Board Chair and current Board Member; President and Chief Executive Officer, Integrity House Impact and Support during COVID (continued) NJAMHAA had continuous communication with the Governor’s Office, state departments, their divisions and New Jersey’s Congressional delegation, as well as media representatives, to build awareness of the critical role of behavioral health providers, especially during the pandemic, in efforts to secure funding, relaxation of regulations and access to personal protective equipment. “NJAMHAA was a conduit between state and federal policymakers and members, keeping them updated literally up to the minute. NJAMHAA also facilitated member networking that not only led to mutual support and information sharing, but also to collaboration and coordination of resources. NJAMHAA, with its great access to state and federal leadership, was also able to bring issues raised by members immediately to those who could respond in meaningful ways,” stated Mary Abrams, MPP, NJAMHAA’s Senior Health Policy Analyst, in response to a question about the role NJAMHAA took on during COVID to support providers and help ensure uninterrupted access to care. And NJAMHAA supports members through all situations on an ongoing basis. 1979 The National Alliance on Mental Illness was established. The Mental Health Systems Act of 1980 was signed into law by President Jimmy Carter. It authorized an increase in financing of mental health care from $85 million to $200 million in each of the next three years and gave a greater role in the design and execution of community services. 1980 1980s As President Ronald Reagan came into office, the Mental Health System Act was dismantled. Twenty percent of the funds were cut, 10% was given to the states for administration, and the rest was given to State Mental Health Services Directors to hand out. FY2021