July 17, 2026
“With its 75-year history, NJAMHAA is recognized as an
influential voice and powerful force for its members, enabling NJAMHAA to achieve
successful resolutions across a diverse spectrum of programs and services,
including behavioral health, health care and the social determinants of health,”
stated NJAMHAA President and CEO Debra L. Wentz, PhD, and FY2026 Board Chair
Anthony Comerford, PhD, in NJAMHAA’s FY2026 Annual Report, A Legacy of Impact: Building a Stronger Tomorrow.
Just a few examples of the many advocacy successes achieved
in FY2026 are:
·
Restored funding for New Jersey Statewide
Student Support Services (NJ4S) in the FY2027 State Budget
·
Reversal of the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration’s plans to terminate certain grants in January
2026
·
Other funding preserved and increased in state
and federal budgets
·
Extension of managed care transition policies
and telehealth parity reimbursement
The report also highlights media coverage NJAMHAA has gained,
which augments its advocacy on behalf of behavioral healthcare providers and
the individuals they serve.
NJAMHAA’s impact is made possible from members sharing their
expertise and experiences through discussions at practice group and council
meetings, as well as Membership Meetings. Of the many examples shared in the
Annual Report, particularly notable contributions from members are insights
that led to the Department of Health retracting what would have been a new
requirement for 51% of care to be provided face to face; and a portion of opioid
settlement funds being allocated to continue enrollment in the New Jersey
Statewide Initiative and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Initiative.
The annual report also features testimonials about the value
of these groups and of other member services, which include:
·
Conferences, webinars and other learning/training
opportunities
·
Services from the IT Project
·
The New Jersey Mental Health Institute
Leadership Academy for Behavioral Healthcare Professionals – Applications
for mentees, mentors and coaches are due August 17, 2026, for the fifth cohort
that will begin in September. Click here
for details on this cost-effective program and links to the applications.
“The lives of children, youth and adults throughout New
Jersey have been profoundly enhanced by the services that all our members
provide and through the impact of our joint
advocacy initiatives. We must forge ahead in unison to
ensure that everyone always has opportunities to flourish in every aspect of
their life,” Dr. Wentz stated.
Join NJAMHAA to Continually Strengthen the Behavioral
Healthcare System and your Organizations’ Viability!
NJAMHAA offers several types of membership:
§
Provider Organizations
§
Business Partners (e.g., technology,
pharmaceutical and staffing companies)
§
Individuals (e.g., providers in private practice,
consultants, retirees, students)
Click here for
details on membership and links to applications.
