NJAMHAA Celebrates 70th Anniversary with Governor Richard Codey, Governor James E. McGreevey and other State Leaders

Virtual Event to Be Held Today from 10:00 a.m. to Noon

MERCERVILLE – The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) will host a virtual celebration of its 70th anniversary today from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The event will feature a keynote presentation by Governor Richard J. Codey; comments from Governor Phil Murphy delivered through video; and remarks by Governor James E. McGreevey; Christine Beyer, MSW, Commissioner, Department of Children and Families; and Valerie Mielke, MSW, Assistant Commissioner, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

“I am extremely proud to have been leading this powerful trade association for 26 years of its rich, 70-year history. Tremendous progress has been made in the mental healthcare and substance use treatment system over the years, and numerous challenges have been encountered and overcome through our advocacy and partnerships,” said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO. “NJAMHAA has evolved to respond to issues that have arisen and to be proactive to strengthen the service providers that children and adults throughout New Jersey rely on to recover from illnesses and lead fulfilling lives.”

“NJAMHAA’s impactful advocacy has enabled providers to remain sustainable, and this has been most needed and most evident during the pandemic. NJAMHAA’s steadfast and powerful communication with leaders in the state and federal governments has resulted in flexibility – for example, with telehealth – and, therefore, providers’ ability to do what must be done as the need for our services has greatly increased,” said Susan Loughery, MBA, NJAMHAA Board Chair and Associate Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton.

Click here to download the agenda for the event and here to participate. Click here to download a commemorative publication that details the history of NJAMHAA and the behavioral healthcare system in New Jersey and across the nation, and NJAMHAA’s impact.

The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) is a statewide trade association representing more than 150 organizations that serve New Jersey residents with mental illness and/or substance use disorders, and their families. NJAMHAA members may be found in every county and almost every community statewide. They serve more than 500,000 children and adults each year and contribute to the economy through 61,000 direct and indirect jobs. NJAMHAA’s mission is to promote the value of its members as the highest quality behavioral healthcare providers for the residents of New Jersey through advocacy and professional development.