NNews-Spring-2022

22 strategies we all have within our control to enhance immune health. The modules areWhat Is Immune Health?; Vaccination &Health Screening; Adequate Sleep for Immune Health; Managing Stress for Stronger Immunity; and Functional Foods, Immunity Aids & Finding Credible Health Information.” Michelle Borden, MSW, LCSW, Chief Executive Officer, NewBridge Services: “I feel like NewBridge brought all generations of behavioral health providers together to be able to strengthen our services through technology! Those who were more familiar with the use of technology in their personal and professional lives quickly blended their expertise in those information technology areas (telehealth and telework) with their expertise in serving consumers. They incorporated telehealth into the ‘toolkit’ of individual and group therapy, working with consumers to help them access care through the use of apps, tablets and telehealth ‘kiosks’ onsite, and creating opportunities to connect remotely with colleagues and other providers using Microsoft Teams and Zoom for meetings and consultations. We learned that the ability to work remotely could actually improve efficiencies in many cases and helped us to re-envision our use of office space for the better. The pandemic also allowed us to consider and implement flexibilities within our workforce that may not have been considered before, giving our staff the time they need to have family time and address concerns that were caused by the pandemic. Having everyone on the NewBridge team so focused on the problem solving necessary to staying on mission allowed NewBridge to be nimble enough to make innovative changes for employees, consumers, volunteers and the community.” If you implemented (or plan to implement) hybrid scheduling, how did youmake (or are you planning to make) this happen and howare staff, clients and your overall organizations benefiting (or howdo you anticipate theywill benefit)? Susan Loughery, MBA, Associate Executive Director, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, and NJAMHAA Board Chair: “We did some limited hybrid scheduling during the peak of the pandemic with the majority of time ending up being on site because the clients overwhelmingly preferred to receive in-person services.” Clearly, COVID and the post- pandemic period have introduced new challenges that prompted many changes at behavioral healthcare agencies and other organizations. NJAMHAA looks forward to continuing its support of members through all situations and to sharing howmembers are successfully dealing with these circumstances. Members Share Views and Strategies Related to COVID’s Impact [continued from page 21] Spring 2022