NJAMHAA-FY23-Annual-Report

27 NJAMHAA Annual Report FY 2023 NJAMHAA Increases its Value and Providers’ Effectiveness through Many Partnerships To further extend its network and increase the impact of its continual efforts to eliminate barriers for all New Jerseyans in need of services, NJAMHAA created several councils to foster partnerships with various business entities that are involved with the behavioral healthcare system. In addition to working with NJAMHAA on its priority educational and advocacy initiatives, council members offer different products and programs that directly support providers in their essential work and ultimately benefit the individuals served by contributing to higher quality services and improved health outcomes. NJAMHAA’s extensive partnerships include memberships on and strategic alliances with 33 state organizations and companies and 20 on the national level. Education Council Co-chairs: Nora Barrett, MSW, LCSW, CPRP Associate Professor and Vice Chair, Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions, Rutgers School of Health Professions Lisa Lawson, MBA, MSW, LCSW Chief Outreach & Engagement Officer, Trenton Health Team The Education Council fosters partnerships between behavioral health educators and providers to expand and strengthen the behavioral healthcare workforce. Participants are representatives from colleges and universities in the tri-state area that prepare students for careers in the behavioral healthcare field and providers of mental healthcare, substance use treatment and support services. The Council’s objectives include increasing diversity in the behavioral healthcare field; facilitating internship and field placements; creating other career development opportunities; and developing strategies to increase staff recruitment and retention. This group also aims to promote prevention-focused initiatives in elementary and secondary schools, colleges and graduate schools; foster integrated care and reduce silos; and advocate to state and federal legislators and policymakers on these and other related issues. To facilitate more collaboration in securing field placements for students, the Education Council hosted a presentation on the new MSW program at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s School of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. In addition, representatives from Rutgers University School of Social Work and School of Health Professions shared details about their academic programs and the career paths they support. Education Council Integrated Healthcare Council HMO Council Life Sciences & Innovation Council Technology Council Approved Vendors