Mental Health America
National Zarrow Mental Health Symposium
Photo: (l to R) Ross Croessmann, Mental Health Association in Essex County, Karl Flannery, Assistant Commissioner of Mental Health in Oklahoma, and Robert Kley, Mental Health Association in New Jersey
New Jersey’s history of expanding supportive housing options for people with serious mental illness and those who have experienced homelessness was the topic of a workshop presented by the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, the Mental Health Association in Essex County, and Monarch Housing Associates. The workshop was presented at the Mental Health America Annual Conference/National Zarrow Mental Health Symposium in Tulsa Oklahoma.
Robert Kley, MHANJ Chief Operating Officer, and Monarch Board Member, and Ross Croessmann, MHAEC Director of Residential Services, presented NJ’s policy and advocacy strategies for creating successful housing partnerships, models for grass roots organizing across special populations, and examples of how NJ has been successful in incorporating federal, state, and local advocacy into expanding supported housing models for the homeless and integration into health care reform.
The unique partnership of MHANJ, Monarch Housing Associates, and local providers – as illustrated by the MHA in Essex County – was presented to an audience of local, and state officials seeking new opportunities to expand housing for persons with mental illness.
Over 750 mental health leaders from around the nation attended the Conference, including the national leadership of SAMHSA, HUD, HHS, consumer, family and advocacy organizations across the county.
NJ’s Peer Recovery Warmline Recognized Nationally
Photo: (l to R) David Shern, outgoing President/CEO of Mental Health America, Claudia Morrison, MHANJ Peer Recover Warmline Coordinator, Julie McMillan, MHANJ Peer Recovery Warmline Assistant Coordinator, and new Mental Health America President/CEO Wayne Lindstrom
The Board of Trustees of Mental Health America at their Annual Meeting held in Tulsa, Oklahoma presented the Mental Health Association in New Jersey’s Peer Recovery Warmline with the Mental Health America Innovative Program of the Year Award for 2012. The PRW is NJ’s premiere consumer delivered service handling thousands of requests for peer support annually utilizing the WRAP and IPS models to foster support for those in recovery from serious mental illness.
