FY2024 Annual Report

37 NJAMHAA Annual Report FY 2024 “ Behavioral health care will never be the same. There are greater demands, higher expectations, and fewer staff. Through the Leadership Academy, mentees also embark on a journey of self-discovery. They uncover beliefs, values and experiences that shape them as leaders. Discovering their best selves as leaders builds the capacity to support and value each individual, lending to much- needed retention. ” Valerie Ortense, BS, MBA Leadership Academy Mentor and Director of Grants and Development, Preferred Behavioral Health Group NJMHI is also achieving growth in numbers and diversity in its Leadership Academy for Behavioral Healthcare Professionals. The second cohort that began in September 2023 has three times the number of mentees who work in a broader array of roles — including human resources and administration/ operations, as well as clinical — compared to the first cohort. In addition, the Leadership Academy attracted four additional mentors and two new coaches, doubling the number of leaders supporting individuals in their professional development and work toward achieving specific short-term goals. Meanwhile, NJMHI is focusing on expanding initiatives to create new opportunities for the African-American and Hispanic populations and providers. Initial brainstorming took place during the year and a focus group or roundtable is being planned to gain more insights; identify needs and resources; and develop strategies. NJMHI also plans to continue exploring funding opportunities to establish a Center of Excellence (COE) on Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) and Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders. The COE will be focused on achieving health equity for all with an emphasis on communities and people of color. The COE’s purpose will be to assist providers in working with their clients to address SDoH, which account for 80 percent of individuals’ health, and achieve health equity in all communities. SDoH include unstable, inadequate and lack of housing; insufficient food and other necessities; and lack of health care, transportation, education and employment. The vision for the COE is to improve health, including mental and behavioral health; increase education, employment and socialization; improve health literacy; and foster the adoption of behaviors that reduce health risks and reduce or eliminate behaviors associated with poor health for vulnerable and marginalized populations. Goals to achieve this vision have been identified in four areas: education and training; supports, resources and technical assistance; networking and partnerships; and policy development.