NNews October 2024

FamilyConnectionsnj.org - 7 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 101, East Orange, NJ 07017 - Phone: (973-675-3817) Family Connections is Proud to Support NJAMHAA’s Diverse Faces: All AreWorthy of Full Investment Campaign 19 to help address the issue of criminal justice involvement for individuals with behavioral health conditions. “I always had a strong passion for all the work we do in the substance use andmental healthworlds and for people involved with the criminal justice systembecause they are commonly an afterthought although they did their time,” he said. “We can’t arrest people out of the vicious cycle of recidivism. We need to educate themout of it. As professionals, wemust serve themwith the best opportunities to grow and succeed.” Although Julie Drew retired and, therefore, no longer serves on the NJAMHAA Board or as SystemExecutive Director for Behavioral Health at AtlantiCare, she continues to serve on the NJMHI Board. She reinforced the importance of bothNJAMHAA and (continued from page 18) NJMHI’s work, saying, “The need for services everywhere is so great, and it’s so important that we continue to try to recruit and engage people in serving people who are the focus for NJAMHAA andNJMHI.” Julie also implied the distinctive roles of the entities while illustrating the synergy between them. NJAMHAA can advocate to government officials, and NJMHI is only authorized to provide information. “NJAMHAA’s advocacy is vitally important to have effective regulations and support for the care that’s just so needed,” Julie said. “It’s critical for bothNJAMHAA andNJMHI to focus on continuing to educate, and engage and grow the workforce. The Leadership Academy is definitely an asset. This programand other learning opportunities are so important to improve access.” Having continuing members and newer representatives on both the NJAMHAA and NJMHI Boards are invaluable strengths that foster both organizations’ potential to continue achieving their goals to strengthen the behavioral healthcare system, including its workforce and access to services for all New Jersey residents. Get to know the members of both boards later in this issue after reading more about NJMHI, including the vision from Board Chair Kendria McWilliams, MBA, and other members of the NJMHI Board of Trustees, beginning on page 24.