NJAMHAA News - October 2021

October 2021 21 MJB: Learning, learning, learning – every single minute from every single person. I take away something new, more knowledge from everything that others have to offer. NN: Please share your thoughts on being elected to the position of Secretary. MJB: I am incredibly honored to take on this responsibility and to work with the leadership and staff a bit more intensively. Mary Gay Abbott-Young, LCADC, Re- elected as a NJAMHAA At-large BoardMember and appointed to the NJMHI Board of Trustees to Complete a Term in Place of a Member who Retired President, Rescue Mission of Trenton NJAMHAANews: What do you see as NJAMHAA’s greatest achievement from the past year and overall? What do you see as NJAMHAA’s greatest value and contributions for member organizations and the individuals they serve? Mary Gay Abbott-Young: In the past year, organizations and community-based providers have struggled and continue a battle because of COVID. NJAMHAA has supported all of us, so we can provide services throughout the pandemic. NN: What do you see as NJAMHAA’s greatest value and contributions for member organizations and the individuals they serve? MGAY: The greatest asset is information frommany sources. NJAMHAA takes information and interprets what it means for providers. They share resources and provide input. NJAMHAA provides valuable connections, such as at the events. Providers are able to network with similar and different agencies, and those with similar and different views and struggles. NJAMHAA also has strong relationships with legislators and other government leaders. The association has the ability to impact the industry moving forward. NN: How does NJAMHAA contribute to the effectiveness of your organization and staff and the entire behavioral healthcare system? MGAY: The training that NJAMHAA provides is extremely valuable. NN: What would you like to see NJAMHAA accomplish in the upcoming year and farther in the future? MGAY: I would like to see NJAMHAA successfully advocate for more rate increases and prepare members for new funding structures and reimbursement processes. NN: What have you gained personally from serving on the Board? MGAY: In a constantly changing environment – technology tools, regulations, meeting clients’ needs, finances, etc. – the shared values are a source of strength. The willingness to work together and share information is indeed an uplifting experience. For example, when the Addictions Practice Group addressed urine drug screens, providers discussed how they deal with this in different ways. It’s rare for providers to share like this. There is a strong collaboration among members. NN: Please share your thoughts on being appointed to the NJMHI Board of Trustees. MGAY: I’m excited that in the next year, we will create the first Center of Excellence (COE) for Social Determinants of Health and Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. We will benefit fromwhat we learn and over several years, I anticipate having several COEs. Mary Pat Angelini, MPA, CPS, Re-elected At-large BoardMember after Serving as Secretary President and CEO, Preferred Behavioral Health Group NJAMHAANews: What do you see as NJAMHAA’s greatest achievement from the past year and overall? Mary Pat Angelini: This past year, I have leaned on my colleagues in NJAMHAAmany times as we all navigated the pandemic. Thankfully, NJAMHAA was able to pivot quickly to remote meetings. In essence, Zoom enabled the work of practice groups to proceed uninterrupted. NN: What do you see as NJAMHAA’s greatest value and contribu- tions for member organizations and the individuals they serve? MPA: I greatly value the opportunity to learn from fellow colleagues and the ability to connect with themwhen needed and to see how they’re tackling a situation that I’m going through. There’s a nice camaraderie among members. [continued on page 22]