NNews October 2024

11 October 2024 (continued from page 10) programs related to the 1115 Waiver, especially in the areas of the Children’s Support Services Program for youthwith I/DD and/or social emotional disorders, as well as those with AutismSpectrum Disorder; and expand integration of behavioral and physical health care, including the creation of more Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.” HowardHaughton, Chief Executive Officer, Eva’s Village, shares Katie’s focus on data. “As data becomes more robust and accessible, and as platforms grow more intuitive, we have the opportunity to make informed decisions based on solid data rather than personal assumptions or anecdotal evidence. Data is essential for providing excellent behavioral health care, managing personnel, tracking funding, and ensuring effective aftercare. I am excited to sharemy expertise in this area as we support one another,” he said. Throughout her distinguished ten-year tenure at Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton (CCT), Lisa Merritt, DNP, RN, PMHNP-BC, NE-BC, Chief Nurse Executive, has “had the privilege of observing the intricacies of the mental healthcare system on both the macro and micro levels. That perspective enablesme to understand the interconnectedness among Services Provided by the Association and Members Will Continue to Grow in Importance Regina Widdows, MA, President and CEO of SERV Behavioral Health System, Inc., provided a thorough summary of services and their value fromNJAMHAA, both the association and its members. “The need for behavioral healthcare and substance use disorder services has never been greater. NJAMHAA is such a wonderful resource for community- based healthcare providers in New Jersey, providing relevant information, advocacy, and support that are at the forefront of a rapidly changing field. NJAMHAA consistently equips providers with the in-depth knowledge they require to fully understand the impact of changes within the behavioral health field, and is always there to assist providers throughout the continuumof care,” she said. various facets of health care, not only to understand our staffing needs and what happens on a day-to-day basis, but also the broader system requirements,” Lisa said. Lisa’s vision for NJAMHAA is to “focus on continued efforts for New Jersey to become a national model for integrated health care; and bolster resource sharing, particularly concerning access to health care and advancing health equity,” she said. “That, for me, also includes health literacy and fostering the integration of services while ensuring that all NJAMHAA members are able to be financially sustainable,” Lisa added. As she does as a member of the New Jersey State Assembly, Shavonda Sumter, MBA, President and CEO of Children’s Aid and Family Services, plans to “continue to do a lot of listening on the impact of policies and regulations on the industry and identify the best connections tomeet “ NJAMHAA is such a wonderful resource for community- based healthcare providers in New Jersey, providing relevant information, advocacy, and support that are at the forefront of a rapidly changing field. ” ReginaWiddows, MA President and CEO of SERV Behavioral Health System, Inc. Learn more about every Board member’s background, expertise and, therefore, value to NJAMHAA and the behavioral healthcare system later in this issue of NJAMHAA News . But, first, discover how both NJAMHAA and its charitable entity, the New Jersey Mental Health Institute (NJMHI), benefit providers and the individuals they serve in the next article, which also features leaders who serve on both boards! community needs, which are great. I also aim to stay current on evidence-based practices sowe can continue tomake sure our member organizations and leaders inNew Jersey across the continuumare able to treat themost vulnerablemost effectively,” she stated.