NJAMHAA News Winter 2022

[continued on page 4] I n recognition of the high prevalence of mental illnesses and substance use disorders (SUD) throughout all sectors of New Jersey’s extremely diverse population, NJAMHAA created an advocacy campaign and new website that further illustrate its determination to increase access to care for everyone in need. “We are proud to have served as a champion for transforming lives and behavioral health care for more than 70 years, and we are excited to launch an advocacy campaign and newwebsite that further demonstrate our mission to ensure that every New Jersey resident—regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, religion, language, culture or gender identity—can access life-saving services. Access to behavioral healthcare and support services is essential for achieving social justice and equity,” said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA. Not only are mental illnesses and SUD common, but they also have been intensified by the pandemic, Hurricane Ida and other natural catastrophes, and manmade disasters. As the demand for services continues to increase, the community-based behavioral healthcare system is struggling to serve everyone in need. This dilemma has existed since long before the pandemic and other recent traumatic situations occurred, and has since become significantly more difficult. NJAMHAA’s advocacy campaign, Diverse Faces…Many Lives: New Jerseyans Rely onMental Health and Substance Use Services to Thrive, underscores the fact that without increased resources for the community-based behavioral healthcare system, thousands of New Jersey residents will not be able to access the services they need. As a result, their mental illnesses and SUDwill likely become worse, which could lead to either new or heightened risk of suicide, and they will not be able to achieve the quality of life they deserve, either in their health or other areas, such as employment and relationships. The Diverse Faces campaign features several success stories provided by NJAMHAA member agencies that provide compelling examples of how mental healthcare and SUD treatment and support services (e.g., supported education and employment) enable individuals of all ages and backgrounds to rebuild their lives. NJAMHAA NEWS Your Voice in Behavioral Health since 1951 Winter 2022