NNews October 2024

10 October 2024 Opportunities for Members to Network and Contribute to Advocacy and its Impact “With itsmany groups, committees and the board, NJAMHAA has shown itself to be a place wheremembers can freely discuss concerns and share successes. NJAMHAA draws talent from all over the state and the country to share ideas, innovations and opportunities. It finds a way to give a singular voice borne out of many,” explained NJAMHAA Board Secretary AlanDeStefano, MSW, Executive Director of Cape Atlantic Integrated Network for Kids. “The councils and practice groups are doing great work,” said Kristine Pendy, LCSW, Vice President of Business Development, Vantage Health System, and shared a specific example: “I found the Hospital Community Integration Council extremely helpful when I was at a hospital and I still do now that I’m in a community organization. We are strengthening partnerships between hospital- and community- based providers to achieve all our goals and the specific objectives of the Department of Health’s Quality Improvement Plan, including advocacy for opening and expanding specific billing codes. We are also exploring ways to best meet not only clinical needs, but also those related to social determinants of health.” Vision Has Consensus and All Board Members Contribute in Unique, Meaningful Ways While all of the board members shared their vision for NJAMHAA to continually expand on its impact to strengthen the behavioral healthcare system and, as a result, the health and wellbeing of all New Jersey residents, the newer board members also expressed how they will contribute to NJAMHAA’s mission and success. From 17 years of experience working in New Jersey’s Children’s Systemof Care, Kathryn (Katie) Colhoun, LCSW, Director of Community Resources and Advocacy, Ocean Partnership for Children, has a thorough understanding and historical knowledge of the system. In fact, she was part of its numerous transitions related tomental health, substance use, intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) and autismprograms. “I have relationships with a vast network of providers and a vibe for what’s going on in the workforce, which ultimately impacts the children and families we serve,” she said. Katie also shared her vision for NJAMHAA, in addition to the goals noted above: “Continue focus on obtaining quality data from programs in order to secure competitive reimbursement rates; implement NJAMHAA Board Members Reinforce the Chair’s Vision and Highlight the Association’s Effectiveness (continued from page 9) (continued on page 11) Other Valuable Information Helps Strengthen Providers Now and in the Future Another example of the value that NJAMHAA’s practice groups and councils offer is assistance for providers in preparing for the upcoming carve- in of more services into Medicaid managed care. “NJAMHAA makes sure the conversation is happening, keeps everyone informed and gives people the vehicle to raise their concerns and provide input,” Jacques stated. “Some members will have more or less struggle with different parts of managed care. NJAMHAA is a hub of information on best practices and so muchmore. It can help providers see the angles of howwe’ll be able to be successful in continuing to serve themost vulnerable people,” Derry said. In fact, she sees information as NJAMHAA’s second biggest impact, along with the practice groups and councils. “NJAMHAA provides information about the community we are serving. The various committees bring together members fromdifferent agencies to talk about like issues and to engage in problem- solving. We bring this valuable information back to our agencies and implement changes or add practices, as well as advocate. It all ties together.” Tara Chalakani, PsyD, LPC, RN, Chief Executive Officer of Preferred Behavioral Health Group, reinforced this point, praising NJAMHAA as the “go-to and primary resource for questions and challenges that present themselves each day in behavioral health organizations.”