NNews-July-2023

NJAMHAA NEWS Your Voice in Behavioral Health since 1951 CMOs Empower Youth and Families to Improve Health and Achieve Many other Goals (continued on page 4) After struggling for years with anxiety so severe that it incited panic attacks and refusal to leave the house and having additional challenges associated with autism, including the inability to communicate, 9-year-old Lisa is now thriving. This transformationwas achieved in just one and a half years with support froma teamconvened by Hudson Partnership CareManagement Organization (CMO). “We linked the family to intensive support services, which assisted Lisa with daily living skills and built her confidence,” said Robyn Gorman, MA, LPC, Chief Executive Officer. Hudson Partnership is one of 15 CMOs created throughout New Jersey in 2001 to help youth and families overcome many types of difficulties. Over the years, the CMOs have certainly proven their value. According to Gorman, “Success stories are so varied, as there are many diverse situations and people— ranging from, for example, a nonverbal 4-year-old to a 17-year-old with gun charges.” “CMO help kids stabilize, successfully transition from juvenile detention, stay in the community— that’s the biggest success — and get into college. We’ve also seenmany kids go on to have their own families,” said Alan DeStefano, MSW, who has served as Executive Director of Cape Atlantic Integrated Network for Kids since its inception. Kathy Collins, LCSW, Former Executive Director, MonmouthCares CMO, further demonstrated the impact and value of CMOs with the story of a family with a 12-year-old daughter Bianca, who had extreme anxiety and serious thoughts of suicide, and a 14-year-old son Mateo, who was often angry about his parents’ attention to his sister. MonmouthCares engaged a family therapist to develop a safety plan for Bianca and treat her anxiety. Since Mateo refused to participate in therapy, the caremanager served as a coach and connected him with a local provider organization that has a gym, teaches Olympic-style boxing, and provides homework support and computer training. “Eventually, marriage and family counseling led to healthier alliances and new skills all around. Bianca used school-based services to replace her therapy and reduce her social isolation,” Collins shared. Inside this Issue 988 Crisis Response System Demonstrates Effectiveness and Ongoing Development PAGE 7 NJAMHAAHonorsMembers, Behavioral Health Supporters and ITHeroes PAGE 11 Members and other Partners CelebrateMilestone Anniversaries PAGE 19 Education Council Helps Build Career Paths and the Behavioral HealthcareWorkforce PAGE 25 Former NJ Policy Leaders Offer evenmore Support through their Roles withHealth Management Associates PAGE 33 Planning Ahead, Education, and Awareness: Active Shooter Preparedness PAGE 39 July 2023