NNews-Sep-2026

September 2026 7 NJAMHAA Shares New Board Chair’s Vision and Welcomes NewMembers continued frompage 6 continued frompage 6 continued on page 8 Congratulations to the other NJAMHAAOfficers and Elected/Re-elected At-LargeMembers “The true value of these national roles is how they translate into a feedback loop that benefits New Jersey. I amable to bring leading-edge, national best practices directly back to my leadership at Integrity House and my teaching and advisory roles. Conversely, I bring New Jersey’s unique regional challenges and innovations — such as our state-level harm reduction initiatives — to national conversations, ensuring our state’s voice helps steer the future of behavioral health on a broader stage,” Gibson said. “Serving on the NJAMHAA Board gives me a greater opportunity to strengthen our association by ensuring our legislative and operational priorities are directly informed by critical infrastructure needs. By lending my expertise in licensing and workforce programs, I can help the Board advocate for streamlined state processes and robust funding models. Ultimately, this allows me to help shape a more resilient statewide behavioral healthcare system—one where providers can thrive operationally, and every New Jerseyan has equitable access to life-saving care,” she added. Gibson reinforced Dr. Ghinassi’s vision saying, “NJAMHAA needs to cement its position as the premier, indispensable catalyst for transforming New Jersey’s behavioral healthcare system into a fully sustainable, integrated model of care. As an association, we must lead the charge in securing permanent, robust funding streams and pioneering innovative workforce solutions that finally alleviate the staffing crisis that is holding our field back.” “I envision NJAMHAA expanding its digital advocacy footprint, leveraging data-driven outcomes to command influence in Trenton, and fiercely defending the financial health of our member agencies,” Gibson added. “By building a unified front across mental health and substance use service providers, our association will ensure that no community is left underserved and that provider resilience is never sacrificed for clinical compliance.” NJAMHAA continues to lead the way, keeping our industry informed, connected, and prepared to navigate an ever-changing behavioral health landscape. Thank you, NJAMHAA, for being a steadfast voice and a powerful force for progress.” Anthony DiFabio, PsyD, President and CEO of Acenda Integrated Health, and Lou Schwarcz, MA, Chief Executive Officer of Family and Children’s Service of Monmouth, were re-elected as At-Large members. “For decades, NJAMHAA has been an invaluable voice for New Jersey’s behavioral health and substance use treatment community. Having served on the Board for many years, I have witnessed firsthand the organization’s profound impact as an advocate, convener, and trusted resource,” Dr. DiFabio said. “As the needs of our communities continue to evolve, NJAMHAA’s leadership will be more important than ever in shaping policy, advancing innovative solutions, and ensuring that individuals and families across New Jersey have access to high-quality, compassionate care.” “In these times of turbulence for the human services delivery system, NJAMHAA serves as a place of hope and inspiration. Whilemany people feel helpless in the context of world events, NJAMHAA is a voice for those without authority to impact the world. They are strong advocates for the downtrodden, and those on the bottom rung of society’s ladder. I am privileged to be part of the Board of Directors, and contribute even in a small way to the great work that is being done on behalf of vulnerable people and their families,” Schwarcz said.