NJAMHAA FY2022 Annual Report

6 A fter enduring more than two years of a pandemic, which is not over and has no forecast for when it may end, the resiliency of the human spirit continues to shine. While many continue to struggle with the economic impacts, losses and other hardships it wrought, there are silver linings in the behavioral health sector that provide opportunity and momentum to build a system of care that supports all populations with the services they need and deserve. Yes, the pandemic has wreaked havoc on the behavioral health workforce in numerous ways. Yet, each and every day, the staff at NJAMHAA member organizations continue to bring their skills, experience and compassion to the children, youth and adults they serve. And they do so with a greater focus on addressing the stark inequities laid bare during the past two years. The current opportunities to strengthen, expand and improve the system of care are unprecedented. And NJAMHAA has been working in a myriad of ways to take advantage of those opportunities, with much success, and will continue to advocate for the resources and policies our members need to best serve the vulnerable populations they are dedicated to, with determination to see diversity, equity and inclusion in policy, practice and performance. State Budget Wins and Advocacy Both NJAMHAA and the state run on a July 1 st to June 30 th fiscal year (FY). In both the FY2022 and proposed FY2023 State Budgets, NJAMHAA realized several significant wins for providers and, in turn, the diverse populations they serve. All of the proposed FY2023 budget items mentioned below are expected to remain in the final version. NJAMHAA looks forward to being able to report additions to this list based on our ongoing advocacy during this budget season on the priorities shared in the following paragraphs. In the current fiscal year: • Providers of many children and youth programs under the Department of Children and Families (DCF) are benefiting from the $108 million that went to rate increases for a majority of programs. • All School-Based Youth Services Programs (SBYSPs) saw an 18% increase to their contract ceilings as a result of a $5 million legislative add- on that NJAMHAA secured. NJAMHAA was also successful in its subsequent advocacy to allow these funds to be used for recruitment and re - tention bonuses. Ensuring Diversity, Equity and Inclusion