NNews October 2024

25 October 2024 discussing issues people generally don’t want to talk about, encouraging collaborative opportunities to develop innovative solutions for narrowing the gaps,” Becky added. “Through educational efforts and working closely with both provider agencies and local institutions of higher learning, NJMHI generated a strong conversation around the lack of mental health clinicians and the barriers to entry to the field that need to be reduced and/or removed entirely,” said Cheryl Marks Young, MAS, PCC, Treasurer of the NJMHI Board, Founder and CEO of Creative Blueprints for Leaders, Certified Business & Leadership Coach and Vistage Chair. In addition to strengthening the behavioral healthcare workforce and its cultural competency, “NJMHI has been very effective in helping to ensure that former inmates are connected to the services they need,” said Christopher Womack, PhD, MBA, MS, MA, who works in the pharmaceutical industry and is a long-time community advocate. “There are tragic situations that need immediate and long-term solutions, like staunching bleeding right away and addressing the underlying cause for the long run. NJMHI is developing and seeking effective solutions.” (continued from page 24) (continued on page 26) Leadership Academy for Behavioral Healthcare Professionals NJMHI launched the Leadership Academy for Behavioral Healthcare Professionals in 2022 in response to the state’s behavioral healthworkforce crisis. NJMHI’s Leadership Academy provides career development pathways through a 12-month structured mentoring and coaching program for emerging leaders in behavioral health clinical and supervisory positions. The first cohort of participants completed the program in 2023, with rave reviews from participants, and the 2024 cohort was triple the size of the first group. “We’re in a time when we really need this sector to be cultivating the next generation of leaders,” Michele emphasized. “The Leadership Academy is something I’m really proud that we’re doing and grateful that we have done so.” “As success of the Leadership Academy builds, trainings and best practice tools can be applied on an exponential basis across an even larger number of behavioral healthcare providers throughout the state, and potentially throughout the nation. These best practice tools will improve the quality and outcomes of behavioral health care for patients and their families,” said Kendria, who is a Leadership Academy mentor. “NJMHI’s commitment to enhancing the leadership of behavioral health agencies through the Leadership Academy is commendable,” said Elsa Candelario, DSW, MSSW, LCSW, Professor of Professional Practice, Director, Latina/o/x Initiatives for Service, Training, and Assessment Certificate Program, Rutgers University School of Social Work. “This forward-thinking approach not only improves current practices, but also prepares organizations for the future. I am also encouraged by the strategic conversations among the board and staff about closing the gap in access to behavioral health services for African- American and Latinx populations.” Vision for the Future “My vision for NJMHI is for the organization to be a driving force towards a society where individuals and families impacted bymental health can lead fulfilling lives, without stigma, and without discrimination,” Kendria stated. “I believe diversity provides the opportunity to strengthen our development as a society. From a business perspective, as wemovemore towards being able to recruit talent from neighboring states or beyond, and we embrace people of every race, religion and ethnicity, gender and sexual preference, we are drawing on a much larger pool of talent,” Kendria added. “I believe NJMHI’s continued success will be fueled by compassion, integrity, and work to support diversity. In every initiative we undertake to “ As success of the Leadership Academy builds, trainings and best practice tools can be applied on an exponential basis. These best practice tools will improve the quality and outcomes of behavioral health care. ” KendriaMcWilliams, MBA Chief Executive Officer, Maryville Integrated Care