NJAMHAA FY2022 Annual Report

24 In addition, AmeriHealth New Jersey presented on its initiatives to address the opioid crisis, and representa- tives from all the HMOs shared details on their initia - tives related to the Substance Use–Disorder Preven - tion that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) Act and the outcomes being achieved. The Life Sciences & Innovation Council (LSIC) was established in 1996 as the Pharmaceutical Advisory Council, which was later renamed the LSIC to re - flect the evolution of the field and the group’s growth with representation of a broader scope of companies and an expanded focus on the life sciences industry. Through the LSIC, NJAMHAA partners with pharma - ceutical and life sciences companies in advocating for increased access to treatment and recovery services, and to bring valuable medications, education and other resources to service provider and the individuals they serve. The LSIC is chaired by Dean Gianarkis, MS, PharmD, Director, Internal Medicine, Field Medical Outcomes & Analytics, Pfizer, Inc. The group had been co-chaired by Christopher Womack, PhD, then Director, Health - care Policy and Advocacy at Johnson & Johnson Health Care System, for about five years until he ac - cepted a new role in a different area of the company. The group hosts a variety of informational presenta - tions during many of its meetings, which are attended by not only pharmaceutical and biotechnology compa- nies that make up the council, but also providers and representatives from DMHAS and Medicaid. Topics this year included mental health in the workplace; integrated care; spirituality and substance use/mental health treatment; Recovery Centers of America’s Col - laborative Support Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program for First Responders in New Jersey; and harm reduction. Over the years, the LSIC and NJAMHAA planned and presented events to educate legislators, policy- makers, the media and the public about critical top- ics, such as the cost of untreated mental illness, and strategies for preventing substance use disorders and increasing medication adherence. NJAMHAA and the LSIC plan to hold additional educational events in the future. The LSIC consists of representatives from the phar - maceutical and biotechnology companies, and other related organizations listed below: • Alkermes, Inc. • BioNJ • HealthCare Institute of New Jersey • Janssen Pharmaceuticals/Johnson & Johnson Health Care System • Perkins Partnership • Pfizer, Inc. • Pharma-Care, Inc • Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. NJAMHAA Works with Various Business Partners to Further Strengthen the Behavioral Healthcare System (continued) “NJAMHAA’s broader membership strengthens us and our ability to advocate on the complex issues in achieving integrated health care and wellness and recovery for everyone.” - Jim Cooney, MSW, LCSW Chief Executive Officer Bright Harbor Healthcare and former njamhaa board chair