Statement from Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA

The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) congratulates our new Governor Mikie Sherrill, Lt. Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell and all individuals appointed to the Governor’s cabinet. 

We look forward to working with our new Administration to continually increase access to services that meet all needs related to mental health, substance use treatment, intellectual/developmental disabilities and social determinants of health for all New Jersey residents, especially vulnerable populations.

While it has been clear from Gov. Sherrill’s previous work in Congress and her campaign that behavioral health is a priority, we are further encouraged by our discussion with Dr. Caldwell in September. He reinforced and elaborated on his and Gov. Sherrill’s alignment with NJAMHAA’s priorities, including significantly increasing rates and contracts for behavioral healthcare services; opening up New Jersey’s certification process to all organizations seeking to become Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics; and strengthening the behavioral healthcare workforce.