Championing Behavioral Health Since 1951
Established in 1951, NJAMHAA is a leader in providing effective advocacy on behalf of its members and the community at large who rely on members' services, creating a face for the population of individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders (SUD) and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) who often have no voice of their own. Making sure individuals with behavioral health disorders are no longer invisible, ignored or misunderstood, and helping to increase access to treatment and support services they need, NJAMHAA is on the national forefront fighting stigma and discrimination and helping them to improve their lives. NJAMHAA educates state and federal policymakers and legislators about the behavioral healthcare system and its value, in order to garner their support for increased and sustained funding, and supportive legislation and regulations.
Discover NJAMHAA’s Impact
A Legacy
of Impact
FY2026 Advocacy Successes
Learn about NJAMHAA's advocacy achievements and policy victories in our FY2026 Annual Report, A Legacy of Impact: Building A Stronger Tomorrow.
75+ Years of Leadership and Growth
NJAMHAA created a commemorative journal, which highlights many examples of impactful advocacy since the association was founded in 1951, including achievements to date in the current fiscal year.
Commemorative Video
The commemorative video celebrates milestone achievement and NJAMHAA’s effectiveness throughout its history, as well as a vision for achieving even greater impact in the future.
Advocacy/Issues
NJAMHAA consistently and effectively lobbies state and federal legislators on its members’ behalf. When our members and other stakeholders lend their voices to our efforts, our chances for success increase exponentially as our collective voice grows louder.
Getting to know your state and federal legislators is essential for effective advocacy. NJAMHAA urges all of its members to build relationships with their elected representatives and provides you with the following resources to assist you in doing so.
Advocacy Resources
Links to NJAMHAA's current advocacy piece, legislator contact information, and other policy and advocacy materials.
Current Advocacy/Issues
Listing of state and federal bills NJAMHAA supports with status links and related testimony, including budget bills, and other policy priorities.
Partners in Advocacy
Information about our Partners in Advocacy program and how to get involved.
NJAMHAA’s Transparency Policy Regarding Grants
It is the mission of NJAMHAA and the New Jersey Mental Health Institute (NJMHI), its related 501(c)3 of which it is the sole member, to bring training and technical assistance and education to members and staff of behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment organizations. Therefore, NJAMHAA and NJMHI pursue grants and other funding to support both organizations in meeting these goals.
It is with full transparency that NJAMHAA and NJMHI have permission from their Boards to seek grant funding from a variety of federal, state and local government sources even if some member organizations are applying for the same funding opportunities. All members benefit from these funded projects and the increased revenues to NJAMHAA and NJMHI, which result in resources, training and technical assistance for all, and enable NJAMHAA to keep any dues increases to only minimal amounts.
Stronger together. Better outcomes for all.
NJAMHAA is proud to serve as a trusted partner and advocate for agencies and the communities they serve.
