NNews-Aug-2025

August 2025 3 Dear NJAMHAANews Readers, The longstanding difficulties in attracting and keepingmembers of the workforce in behavioral healthcare, substance use and social services are about to become evenmore challenging. With a largely flat state budget (which NJAMHAA appreciates, though it does not cover the full cost of care) and federal Medicaid and other cuts that will impact the field greatly, the barriers to recruiting and retaining staff will be unprecedented. But, that said, people still need services andmany more people will need them in the future. NJAMHAA was never one to sit still and take things as they come and neither should providers. As negative as the impacts of inadequate funding are, we need to counter themwith relentless advocacy and innovative training strategies. In the face of uncertainty and a shifting healthcare landscape, not only will there not be funding increases to hire and maintain staff, but there will also be even less for training and development, which helps with staff recruitment and retention, as well as quality of care. Despite these circumstances, we cannot bemoan the situation, wring our hands or wait passively. NJAMHAA has never been one to respond this way to challenges. As with other crises, we will move forward and continue doing what we have been doing: Advocating for increased funds, and developing and implementing creative strategies to strengthen the workforce. FROM THE DESK OF Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies Inc. Debra L. Wentz, PhD President and CEO Organizations that plan for various scenarios to develop their teams will fare the best. In fact, this was the focus of one of NJAMHAA’s many instructional presentations. Kim Williams, MSSW, Principal, Health Management Associates, presented on scenario planning during a recent Adult Mental Health Practice Group meeting. Of course, NJAMHAA will continue to bring technical assistance and training, in addition to persevering in our advocacy, and we will always be at the ready to help members pivot quickly as changes take place. Our workforce is too important to neglect. Besides advocacy, NJAMHAA will continue to share valuable resources, including powerful examples of members’ innovations, such as those featured in this issue of NJAMHAA News . Acenda Integrated Care, Adtalem Global Education, Rutgers University School of Social Work and Triad are a few illustrations of creativity and resourcefulness from throughout the membership. We are also promoting the New Jersey Mental Health Institute Leadership Academy for Behavioral Healthcare Professionals, which is gearing up for the fourth cohort that will begin in September. We strongly encourage all of you to offer this cost-effective career development opportunity to your staff, as it not only supports them individually, but also reinforces your organizations’ long-term viability. We are equally proud to highlight NJAMHAA’s Education Council, which is fostering strong partnerships between institutions of higher education and behavioral healthcare providers in additional efforts to build the workforce and enhance the system. Nothing ismore important to invest in than our workforce. The content of this publication demonstrates that. We tremendously value our partnerships with all of you to help ensure that every New Jersey resident receives the highest quality treatment and other types of support when they are needed. Sincerely, Debra L. Wentz PhD President and CEO