NJAMHAA-FY21-annual-report

26 Many of NJMHI’s contributions have directly benefited NJAMHAA members. Examples include: • Policy recommendations that led to the establishment of state-funded cultural competence training centers which are operated by NJAMHAA members, Center for Family Service and Family Connections; state funding for bilingual/bicultural clinicians at community-based mental health agencies; and mandatory training in diversity for mental health professionals. • Public service announcements and materials to educate the Hispanic population about mental illnesses and bilingual services. • Free and low-cost statewide conferences focused on cultural competence. NJMHI also developed the Model Mental Health Program for Hispanics , which was adopted by mental health professionals across the nation and cited by the World Health Association as one of three best practices in 2004. Further building on these successes, NJMHI did business as the National Resource Center for Hispanic Mental Health (NRCHMH) in 2006 to address the nationwide lack of availability, access and provision of quality mental health services for Hispanics. NRCHMH developed an online repository of resources for providers; hosted several national Latino mental health conferences; created opportunities for federally funded projects for NJMHI; and extended its reach nationwide and internationally by presenting on best practices for engaging, retaining and serving Hispanics in Argentina, Egypt and Greece, as well as the U.S. NJMHI’s second initiative was collaborating with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care) for nearly five years to provide training for New Jersey’s more than 11,000 Children’s System of Care partners. NJMHI provided logistical support, engaged speakers and performed back office functions. Back on the international front, Dr. Wentz launched the Tsunami Mental Health Relief Project in 2005, NJMHI Offers Additional Resources for NJAMHAA Members The New Jersey Mental Health Institute (NJMHI) was established in 2000 to increase the recognition, understanding and acceptance of mental illness, and identify and seek the establishment of effective mental illness prevention and treatment services. NJMHI’s first initiative was the Changing Minds, Advancing Mental Health for Hispanics project, which aimed to enhance resources for New Jersey’s Hispanic communities and the healthcare professionals who are uniquely able to serve them most effectively. The success of this project led to NJMHI’s expanded focus on other minority populations, including Black Americans, Southeast Asians and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) community.