NJAMHAA 75th Anniversary

42 75 th Anniversary Partnering with Members and other Industries O ne of the many benefits of membership is the opportunity to participate in Membership Meetings and on practice groups and councils, which provide networking, partnership-building and educational opportunities, contribute to shared priorities, strengthen joint advocacy and provide access to leadership at Departments, Divisions, the Legislature and Governor’s office. “Our work with and for providers is essential. We learn firsthand from providers how their ability to achieve their mission is negatively impacted by limited funding, overburdensome regulations and unsupportive laws. All these obstacles translate into barriers for individuals in need, and NJAMHAA partners with members on advocacy strategies to increase access to the services they provide,” said Shauna Fuzes, NJAMHAA’s Vice President of Public Affairs and Member Services. In addition, the meetings often feature guest speakers from within and outside of the association to provide ongoing education and skill development. “ I remember thinking to myself, ‘Wow! There is such a wealth of information being presented among agencies. This is the place to be!’ It was so encouraging to see that for myself and such an eye opener when I was new to the behavioral health field. ” Karen Acker Chief Operating Officer West Bergen Mental Healthcare O ne of these groups is the Hospital Community Integration Council (HCIC), which is laser focused on fostering vitally important partnerships between hospitals and community-based providers. Such collaboration is essential with the systemic shift the soon-to-be promulgated integrated care regulations will bring. Strong hospital- community partnerships can lead to smooth referrals, reduced emergency room visits and hospitalizations, and other positive outcomes that greatly reduce costs to hospitals. “This group is helpful because though hospital systems have a safety net that community providers don’t have, not everyone needs to come to a hospital. So, if someone wants a community provider, I can foster that connection. By integrating and collaborating with community partners, we can enhance what we’re doing rather than it all being in one place. There are enough patients to go around, so there’s no reason to compete,” said Tina Miles, LCSW, FHELA, Executive Director, Behavioral Health Services, Psychiatry Administration, St. Joseph’s Healthcare System. “Behavioral health and addiction services are central to our mission and I have found our partnership with the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies to be invaluable. NJAMHAA provides a powerful voice for providers like Bergen New Bridge, bringing together hospitals and community-based organizations to advocate for sustainable funding, smart policy, and systemwide solutions. Their leadership keeps members informed, engaged, and prepared in a rapidly changing regulatory and reimbursement environment,” said Deborah Visconi, President and CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and Chair, New Jersey Hospital Association Board of Trustees. Fostering Collaboration between Hospital- and Community-based Providers