2026 Spring Registration Brochure

24 NJAMHAA's Spring Conference 2026 APRIL 15, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Afternoon Session (CONTINUED) SESSION 4.3: The Hidden Price: Stigma’s Impact on Mental Health NUMBER AND TYPE OF CREDITS 1.0 Cultural Competency CE The Hidden Price: Stigma’s Impact on Mental Health, Course #6621 is approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program to be offered by the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) as an individual course. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE course approval period: 2/3/2026 - 2/3/2028. Social workers completing this course will receive 1 cultural competency continuing education credit. ............................................................................ This course is approved by the NJ Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA), as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #87719, NJAMHAA is responsible for all aspects of the programming. June DePonte Sernak, EdD Statewide Diversity Leadership Officer Center for Family Services COURSE DESCRIPTION: This session will examine the historical roots of stigma and the barriers to health equity that emerge from personal bias and lived experience. Participants will explore the evolution of stigma within behavioral health; how it manifests individual, organizational, and systemic levels; and evidence- informed strategies to mitigate its impact on care. The session will also address the role of bias and microaggressions in perpetuating discrimination, along with the structural and environmental barriers that hinder health equity in stigmatized settings. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of this session, attendees will be able to: 1. Define the historical foundations of stigma within the mental health and addiction treatment fields. 2. Describe stigma and personal bias, including their impact on health disparities and culturally responsive care. 3. List the individual knowledge and skills to support Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards and improve healthcare outcomes. TARGET AUDIENCE: Mental Health Professionals AUDIENCE TARGET LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced S P E A K E R