NJAMHAA News - October 2021

October 2021 23 TheresaWilson MSW, LCSW, Re- elected At-large BoardMember President & CEO, South Jersey Behavioral Health Resources, Inc. and Executive Vice President, InperiumNJ NJAMHAANews: What do you see as NJAMHAA’s greatest achievements from the past year and overall? TheresaWilson: In the past year, all the work NJAMHAA has done regarding COVID to ensure our organizations are well informed and help us manage COVID and ensure services for consumers – that has been significant. NJAMHAA stepped up to the plate with information, education and advocacy. Overall, NJAMHAA is a safety net. We all need it and certainly, NJAMHAA provides that, no matter what the challenges are. Navigating complexities of legislators and government and bringing it home to us – howwe can work within the system and changes – is so valuable. NJAMHAA continually assures providers that our investment in the association is the best investment we can make because it helps us meet our missions, values and goals. NN: What do you see as NJAMHAA’s greatest value and contributions for member organizations and the individuals they serve? TW: Collaboration with all aspects of our system of care – legislators, providers, small businesses – is the most valuable. Education, training and advocacy are paramount. NJAMHAA helps make us more effective and efficient, which increases quality of care. NN: How does NJAMHAA contribute to the effectiveness of your organization and staff and the entire behavioral healthcare system? TW: During COVID, the government didn’t clearly see the impact of decisions they were considering, such as the proposed elimination of funding for the School Based Youth Services Program. NJAMHAA clarified the importance of this and successfully advocated for the funding to be restored. The cost of doing business needs to be understood, and NJAMHAA’s advocacy will help make this happen. NN: What would you like to see NJAMHAA accomplish in the upcoming year and farther in the future? TW: NJAMHAAmust continue to do what they’re doing in all areas: funding, education and advocacy. No matter what challenges we face, NJAMHAA should determine the best way to present our story and educate others about what providers do and their impact. NN: What have you gained personally from serving on the Board? TW: What I gained is immeasurable. When colleagues recommended me for the Board, I hesitated and now, I wonder why I hesitated. It has been a phenomenal experience of collaboration, friendships, education and a wealth of resources.       