NJAMHAA News Spring 2021

spring 2021 5 be the voice for what the mental healthcare system needs so that the needs of consumers and their families can best be met,” said Monahan. “I see a recognition by the members of NJAMHAA that the issues we address are bigger than any of us individually and we are stronger together,” said Jacques Hryshko, MS, LPC, NJAMHAA’s current Board Vice Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Family Connections. The value of NJAMHAA has been recognized not only by members, but also other stakeholders and state leaders. For example, Dennis Lafer, who first learned of NJAMHAA in the mid-1970s when he served as Acting Director of what was then called the Division of Mental Health and Hospitals (nowDMHAS), said, “Great things have occurred between the Division and NJAMHAA. We had a very similar vision: to treat people humanely in the community and to use hospitals as a last resort and when necessary.” Similarly, TheresaWilson, MSW, LCSW, a current Board member, President and CEO of South Jersey Behavioral Health Resources and Executive Vice President of InperiumNJ, remembers seeing Dr. Wentz at meetings with DMHAS when she worked at the state with Lafer. “Deb rallied people in talking to the state. She always made powerful arguments and gave great input, and still does,”Wilson said. “If it weren’t for DebWentz’s leadership and team, we would not be where we are today.” The impact NJAMHAA has achieved is recognized by state leaders up to the highest ranks. “Seemingly, NJAMHAA has always been part of my political world for ideas, advocacy and creating a context for mental health and substance use treatment services. There have been many collective efforts between NJAMHAA and the State Legislature,” recalled Governor James McGreevey, who now serves as Chairman of the Board for New Jersey Reentry Corporation. “I thank NJAMHAA for being willing to shine in dark places and ask New Jersey to be even better, providing support for people to live healthy, productive lives. NJAMHAA has taken on many fights that have always been right. If it weren’t for NJAMHAA, many of our clients wouldn’t have a second chance. In many cases, NJAMHAA gave meaning to having a second chance,” Gov. McGreevey added. Governor Chris Christie first learned about NJAMHAA in 1995 when he became a Morris County Freeholder and was assigned to work on human services issues. “I have since considered NJAMHAA an asset to the state and a resource to me. Our partnership during my years as Governor was an incredible asset,” he said. When asked about NJAMHAA’s role in the post-COVIDworld, Gov. Christie, said, ‘You’re going to be so needed. In the COVID era, we lost focus on mental health and addiction issues as we’ve been almost exclusively focused on this virus. We’re on the brink of another public health crisis. I’m glad NJAMHAA’s there with their 70 years of experience and passionate support.” “NJAMHAA has always had my back on any issue on mental health. They’re the go-to agency – even before they come to me,” stated Governor Richard J. Codey. “NJAMHAA has always been a strong organization. For the agency you want to go to, NJAMHAA is #1, #2 and #3.” In fact, Dr. Wentz served on the transition teams for both McGreevey and Christie when they were incoming governors, and she chaired Governor-elect Christie’s Subcommittee on Mental Health and Addictions. She also served on Gov. Phil Murphy’s transition team. Several NJAMHAAmembers also served on Gov. Christie’s and Murphy’s transition teams, as well as on the Task Force on Mental Health Transforming Lives and Health Systems [continued on page 6] If it weren’t for Deb Wentz’s leadership and team, we would not be where we are today. - Theresa C. Wilson, MSW, LCSW President & CEO, South Jersey Behavioral Health Resources, Inc., Executive Vice President, Inperium NJ and NJAMHAA Board Member