NJAMHAA-FY23-Annual-Report

34 Breaking Barriers in Behavioral Health Care Additional learning opportunities are available during NJAMHAA’s Membership Meetings, which feature members and guest presenters on various topics of interest, in addition to discussing policy issues and inviting members to share their views. Among government leaders participating in these meetings were DMHAS Assistant Commissioner Valerie Mielke, who presented on initiatives related to strengthening the behavioral health workforce and the 988 crisis response system; and Dara Kass, MD, Regional Director, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Region II, and Dennis Romero, MA, Regional Director, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Region II, who discussed federal initiatives, policies and funding. Members and other stakeholders have also shared their expertise and experiences during Membership Meetings. Dennis Morrison, PhD, Owner of Morrison Consulting and Chief Clinical Officer/Advisor at Netsmart Technologies, educated members about the impact of COVID on minorities, women and seniors; Linda Czipo, CEO, New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, presented on electronic governance; and Deborah Visconi, MHA, President and CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, shared highlights of innovative programs that she and her team have implemented. In addition, participants in the first cohort of the New Jersey Mental Health Institute Leadership Academy for Behavioral Healthcare Professionals shared the value they are gaining from it. See page 37 for details on this program. Technical Assistance Throughout the year, the IT Project provides technical assistance to establish and enhance networks, implement electronic health record systems and much more. Highlights of the IT Project’s initiatives and achievements throughout the year begin on page 35. The NJAMHAA staff provides another type of technical assistance on an ongoing basis. They readily answer questions about policies, licensing, legislation, regulations, insurance and many other topics. For any information that NJAMHAA does not have readily available, the staff contacts individuals in the appropriate state or federal departments; searches for additional resources to obtain answers; and, when needed, arranges for meetings with state staff, federal policymakers, national trade associations or others to address questions and concerns. The College of New Jersey students Maple School District ICMS virtual Awards Ceremony ICMS virtual keynote presentation by Margaret Swarbrick, PhD, FAOTA 2022 Youth Suicide Prevention Conference-Back to School: Listening to the Kids 2022 ICMS Conference The Way Forward