FY 2020 annual report

A Y E A R L I K E N O O T H E R 3 NJAMHAA began the year with many priority issues. Advocacy efforts achieved the desired results for many of them, and we continue fighting for those that remain, such as the $25 million fee-for-service supplemental funding. As the pandemic hit and 2020 became a year like no other, advocacy for sustainable funding expanded, with extending monthly emergency payments of state funds and similar Medicaid retainer payments a priority. Other issues, inconceivable just months ago, are also the focus of NJAMHAA’s current advocacy, including adequate personal protective equipment, COVID-19 testing and many legal, staffing and client issues. George Floyd’s murder and the intense reactions to this tragedy further characterize 2020 as a year like no other. NJAMHAA remains dedicated to justice and equality for all human beings and continuously advocates for equal access to all healthcare services and supports. All of our proactive and relentless advocacy has continued throughout the pandemic. As a testament to our effectiveness, NJAMHAA was just selected for the prestigious 2020 Advocacy Leadership Award for Organizational Excellence from the National Council for Behavioral Health. While this crisis changed the world, NJAMHAA did not miss a beat. Rather, we prioritized coronavirus related issues and immediately gathered members’ feedback to bolster our advocacy. NJAMHAA also works with other stakeholders, including national organizations, to amplify our voice and impact in securing funding and regulatory flexibility. Meanwhile, we successfully advocated for an increased rate for long-term residential substance use disorder treatment programs, effective June 1, 2020, despite the state’s budgetary challenges and had a win securing waivers to increase access to medication assisted treatment. Nationally, we played a significant role in securing the extension and expansion of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. Many more examples of our impactful advocacy follow in this report. NJAMHAA’s readily available technical assistance – for a technology issue or about a policy, regulation or legislative bill – increased exponentially throughout the pandemic. Our Information Technology staff has assisted members in transitioning to the virtual world and our advocacy team has provided a continuous flow of information regarding telehealth, fiscal support and more. Membership engagement is at an all-time high, with the value of NJAMHAA’s advocacy and real-time communications even more evident during the pandemic. NJAMHAA has provided avenues for members to share best practices with unrivaled collegiality. Together, we have come this far and, together, we will sustain and strengthen New Jersey’s system of care. Amidst this year’s challenges that have been unlike any other, NJAMHAA made sure to honor several members who have served others with unparalleled leadership. This is the legacy we will carry forward as we celebrate NJAMHAA’s 70th anniversary in 2021. Dear NJAMHAA Members: Message from the President and Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair Robert J. Budsock, MS , LCADC FY2020 NJAMHAA Board Chair Debra L. Wentz, PhD President & CEO Sincerely,