NNews-Spring-2022

7 [continued on page 6] October 2021 Spring 202 During its Spring Conference, Nurturing Diverse Communities, on April 5 th , NJAMHAA honored Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, who also serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal (D-11 th District) and U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (D-1 st District) for their support and leadership in increasing access to mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) prevention, treatment and other services. In addition, Joe Albright, who is believed to have been the longest- term statehouse correspondent, was honored for his substantial contributions to advancing the quality and accuracy of reporting on important issues that affect all New Jersey residents. Sadly, Joe passed away a fewweeks later. Lt. Gov. Oliver received the State Leader of the Year Award , in recognition of her constant focus on improving health equity, social justice, women’s equality, health care and education throughout her career. “Sheila Oliver is a trailblazer and an amazingly strong leader. As Lieutenant Governor, she signed into law bills to promote equal pay and gender equity and to establish a program to divert youth from the juvenile justice system, as well as support youth after being involved with this system,” said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA. “Under Commissioner Oliver’s leadership, the Department of Community Affairs has strengthened and expanded programs to address social determinants of health, which account for at least 80 percent of individuals’ health.” The State Legislator of the Year Award was presented to New Jersey Senator Vin Gopal as a testament to his dedication to meeting the needs of those who depend on mental health care and SUD treatment. He introduced numerous related bills, several of which were signed into law. “In the current legislative session, Senator Gopal wasted no time in stepping up to be the primary sponsor of several bills that are critical to NJAMHAA,” Dr. Wentz said. These include S352, which requires health insurers to cover mental health and SUD treatment through collaborative care, and S1822, which includes SUD as a disability that qualifies students for state special education and related services. In addition, Sen. Gopal has led the development of several bills relating to suicide prevention in all schools and colleges. CongressmanNorcross was honored with the Federal Legislator of the Year Award for leading the development of three key bills—the Opioid Treatment Access Act of 2022 (H.R.6279), the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act (H.R.1384) and the Parity Enforcement Act of 2021 (H.R.1364). “Congressman Norcross is truly deserving of this award for these three bills alone, which are likely to be signed into law. He has also achieved so much more, addressing critical issues in a meaningful way and proving that he is a champion for those with mental illnesses and SUD. In fact, he truly understands behavioral health. He has been a staunch advocate for our community and a driving force for behavioral healthcare reform,” Dr. Wentz said. “Throughout his 57+ year career, Joe Albright has made tremendous contributions to advancing the quality and accuracy of reporting on important issues that affect everyone; has demonstrated the impact of politics on New Jersey residents’ lives, which is particularly important as politics has increasingly become a factor in health care; and has shown a strong commitment to our state and all of us,” Dr. Wentz said. “We were deeply saddened to hear of Joe’s passing, and we are grateful to be able to memorialize a tribute to him and that he knew how valued he was to so many.” NJAMHAA looks forward to honoring many other individuals who make a difference in individuals’ lives and on the state’s entire behavioral healthcare system during the Annual Membership Meeting, Diversity in Policy, Practice and Performance, on June 15, 2022. Stay tuned for details. NJAMHAA Honors State and Federal Leaders and Longest-Term Statehouse Correspondent for Support of Behavioral Health Care