NJAMHAA FY2022 Annual Report

22 NJAMHAA Works with Various Business Partners to Further Strengthen the Behavioral Healthcare System The Education Council is focused on addressing staff shortages, which the behavioral healthcare field has been contending with for years and which became intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. This council’s specific goals include securing interns’ field placements and supervision; overcoming the challenges in recruiting and retaining clinical practi- tioners and Peer Recovery Specialists; achieving and reinforcing health equity; creating and strengthening career development opportunities; promoting pre- vention-focused initiatives in schools and colleges; expanding mental-health and suicide-prevention education; promoting use of the Screening, Brief Inter - vention and Referral to Treatment protocol; fostering integrated care and reducing silos; and advocating to state and federal legislators and policymakers on these and other related issues. The Education Council members are: • Bergen Community College • Caldwell University • Columbia University • Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University • Monmouth University • Montclair State University • New Jersey Council of County Colleges • New York University • Ramapo College of New Jersey • Richard Stockton College • Rider University • Rowan University • Rutgers School of Health Professions • Rutgers University School of Public Health • Seton Hall University • Stockton University • The College of New Jersey • Thomas Jefferson University • University of Pennsylvania The following organizations participate on the Educa - tion Council to establish and reinforce collaboration with educational institutions, including community colleges, other colleges and universities, and trade associations representing them: • Acenda Integrated Health • Alternatives, Inc. • Attitudes In Reverse® • Bergen’s Promise, Inc. • CarePlus NJ, Inc. T o further support providers in reinforcing their organizations and maximizing their effectiveness in serv - ing people in need, NJAMHAA has established relationships with various businesses that offer valuable products and services. Several of these companies are also partnering with NJAMHAA on initiatives to address critical needs, such as expanding and reinforcing the behavioral healthcare workforce; increasing diversity in the field and equitable access to services; and preparing members for Medicaid Managed Care. These businesses are members of the Education, Integrated Healthcare, Life Sciences and Innovation, and Technology Councils, and several are Approved Vendors.