NNews-July-2023

14 July 2023 IT Hero Award – Peer Recovery Programs Pedro Toscano-Salinas, Management Information Systems Coordinator, Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ) “Pedro has been an integral part in the development of the Peer Recovery Outcome UtilizationDatabase (PROUD) and included individuals who use PROUD and those served in each step of development. The creation of the PROUDdatabase and use of technology has enabled CSPNJ to improve the overall operations of peer-led services,” shared June Noto, NJAMHAA’s Vice President of IT, Human Resources and Administrative Services. “In addition, Pedro single-handedly oversaw the implementation and training of all of the Community Outreach Teams that cover 23 wellness centers statewide. He brings an optimistic high energy and a personal touch, and he goes above and beyond in completing tasks and providing support to others.” IT Hero in Visionary Leadership Jennifer D’Angelo, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Healthcare Division, New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) “Jennifer is a visionary leader, innovator, and strategist. With Jennifer at the helm, NJII and the New Jersey Health Information Network can increase interoperability, thus reducing the cost of health care and improving population health statewide,” Noto said.” Jennifer has implemented and supported electronic health record and revenue initiatives; led statewide efforts focused on cybersecurity, privacy, information services, clinical informatics and telecommunications; and continues to provide a cutting- edge vision to the healthcare field and its evolution. Jennifer is also committed to furthering health IT through volunteering and sharing her knowledge through her roles with several regional and state leadership associations and committees, including the Health Care Association of New Jersey, the national Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society and its New Jersey chapter.” IT Hero – Excellence in Technology Vernon Hector, The Lennard Clinic Vernon Hector has been a dedicated employee of The Lennard Clinic for close to ten years. He is always considering ways to make the agency more efficient by choosing and/or recommending the best systems. He provides the best customer service for the agency’s staff who are not comfortable with using computers,” Noto shared. “IT is supposed to be innovative by having the ability to research the latest and the greatest resources for an organization. This is Vernon’s strength. He commits to the whole organization, not just IT, and he ensures compliance in Lennard’s Medical Department by auditing the inventory, tracking errors and providing training on best practices.” IT Hero - Individual Award Alberto Vargas, Senior Director of Information Technology, Integrity House Alberto has been working with Integrity House for 20 years, and for the past five years, he has led the Integrity House IT department of two. Alberto has been instrumental in leading the Core Solutions CX360 electronic health record (EHR) system rollout throughout the agency,” said June Noto, NJAMHAA’s Vice President of IT, Human Resources and Administrative Services. “Alberto has held many roles within Integrity House, including being in charge of the Secaucus facilities and training staff. He demonstrates excellent IT and leadership skills. Alberto is well respected and liked in the agency, and he has helped clients, employees and senior leadership teammembers.” IT PROJECT CONFERENCE: INNOVATIVE TRENDS AND TECHNOLOGY IMPACTING THE FUTURE OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH IT Hero - Vendor Award CATS Technology “CATS has shown a great understanding of what technology is needed to support TheWellspring Center for Prevention,” Noto shared from the nomination submitted by the Center’s CEO Ezra Helfand, who accepted the award on CATS’ behalf. “CATS enabled the Center to remove the frictions across corporate and other staff members who operate in two locations and rely on the ability to deliver services and communicate remotely. CATS also expanded the Center’s ability to continue to deliver vital services and programming to schools and communities during a time of a national shutdown. This resulted in a much more seamless experience supported by the right system capabilities, which in turn, gave the Center flexibility and agility to respond to their communities’ expectations and needs, faster and better.”