NJAMHAA-FY21-annual-report

6 It is a changed world we are in with remote work, hybrid models, infusions of federal and state funds to behavioral health services and a workforce shortage beyond expectations. As the nation comes to grips with the trauma it has experienced during the pandemic and we all continue down the path to a new normal, the potential to strengthen, expand and improve the system of care is unprecedented. The loss of loved ones, economic impacts, social isolation, fear and other hardships that came with COVID-19 have resulted in documented, significant increases of anxiety, depression, alcohol and other drug use and post-traumatic stress disorder, among other diagnoses, for children, youth and adults. NJAMHAA will continue to translate members’ concerns and input into recommendations and requests to advocate for with the Governor, state departments, their divisions, legislators, and New Jersey’s Congressional delegation, as well as with other federal legislators and President Biden and his Administration, to ensure behavioral health providers and those they serve are supported in every way possible. Leadership in Advocacy and Impact during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond Throughout FY2021, NJAMHAA had a substantial impact on budgets, legislation and policies, as it has had throughout its 70-year history. We continued to bring all the latest guidance and opportunities to our members as we all navigated the changing landscape of the pandemic and the federal and state supports it prompted. Following are both highlights of advocacy achievements from FY2021 and current efforts to bring more successes for FY2022! State Budgetary Wins and Advocacy In his FY2021 budget address in February 2020, Governor Murphy emphasized the state’s continued commitment of $100 million to fight the opioid epidemic. His proposal also included $45 million to rebalance rates in the Children’s System of Care (CSOC) and $4 million for psychiatric residencies to build the behavioral healthcare workforce – priorities for which NJAMHAA had been advocating. Of course, with the arrival of COVID-19, the Governor’s original budget was set aside and an unprecedented three- month extension of the prior year’s budget was passed. Subsequently, a nine-month budget was introduced on August 24th that needed to be finalized in just five weeks, allowing a very condensed timeframe for review, analysis and advocacy. Despite the limited period, NJAMHAA achieved great success in having several cuts restored and critical components, such as the CSOC rate increases, maintained in the final nine-month FY2021 budget! Opportunities Abound for Post-COVID Behavioral Health FROM PANDEMIC TO POSSIBILITIES “NJAMHAA is crucial to our work every day.” – Mary Gay Abbott-Young, LCADC, NJAMHAA and NJMHI Board Member and President, Rescue Mission of Trenton