FY2024 Annual Report

24 Transformational Leadership with Powerful Results Partners Help Enhance the Transformative Impact of Members’ Services In addition to its core membership of provider organizations, NJAMHAA has several councils consisting of various business and other partners that offer products and services, as well as information, all of which help enhance both quality of care and operations. The Education Council officially consists of representatives from the tri-state area colleges and universities with behavioral health programs. In addition, member organizations that provide mental healthcare, substance use treatment and support services actively participate on an ongoing basis. The group is developing strategies to expand and strengthen the behavioral healthcare workforce, including a focus on increasing diversity and equity; facilitating and maximizing the value of internship and field placements; creating additional career development opportunities; and developing strategies to increase staff recruitment and retention. The Education Council developed and presented a webinar, Building School-Provider Partnerships and Maximizing the Value of Internships , in March 2024 as an additional effort to achieve its goals and to reach a broader audience. The Education Council also hosted guest presenters during some of its quarterly meetings. Topics included the Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion’s EPICC (Engaging Parents and Increasing Connections with Children) Program and loan redemption opportunities for behavioral healthcare providers from the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. The Education Council members are: Education Council New York University R amapo College of New Jersey Richard Stockton College Rider University Rowan University R utgers School of Health Professions R utgers School of Social Work and its Intensive Weekend MSW Program Educati n Council Bergen Community College Caldwell University Columbia University H ackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University Monmouth University Montclair State University N ew Jersey Council of County Colleges R utgers University School of Public Health Seton Hall University Stockton University Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion The College of New Jersey Thomas Jefferson University University of Pennsylvania Co-Chairs Nora Barrett, MSW, LCSW, CPRP Associate Professor and Vice Chair, Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Rutgers School of Health Professions Lisa Lawson, MBA, MSW, LCSW Clinical Strategy Director Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton