MHANJ’s 24th Annual Evening of Excellence Gala Celebrates 80 Years
of Impact in New Jersey and Achieves Smashing Success with Over 300 Attendees
The Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) celebrated its 24th Annual Evening of Excellence, and 80th anniversary on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at the Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park, New Jersey.
MHANJ honored two extraordinary individuals and one outstanding organization for their innovative approaches, pioneering developments, and unwavering dedication to bringing hope and positive change to those living with mental health and substance use challenges, as well as their families. The night was a celebration of resilience, progress, and the bright future that lies ahead.
The Evening’s Distinguished Honorees included:
Connie Greene MA, CAS, CSW, Senior Vice President for the RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery, was recognized for her leadership and pioneering work in behavioral health.
Susan Tellone MSN, BSN, CSN, RN, Clinical Director of the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, was recognized for her dedication and significant contributions to preventing youth suicide.
Uwill, Mental Health & Wellness, was recognized for pioneering work in creating innovative access to therapy, wellness and support solutions to address the mental health crisis facing college students in New Jersey.
The Evening’s Keynote Speaker
In addition to honoring this year’s award recipients, MHANJ welcomed keynote speaker Mike Leotis, Director of Wellness and Training for MHANJ in Ocean County. As a Certified Recovery Support Practitioner (CRSP) and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), Mike shared his personal struggle with mental illness and inspiring journey to recovery, leaving a profound impact on the audience.
The MHANJ is grateful to our 2024 Evening of Excellence Sponsors:
Gold/Wellness and Recovery Level – RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care
Silver/Anti-stigma Ambassador Level – Hackensack Meridian Carrier Clinic, Hackensack Meridian Health, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Inserra Supermarkets, Inc., Janine and Dan Kane, Johnson & Johnson, Minette’s Angels, Otsuka, United Healthcare and Uwill Mental Health & Wellness
Bronze/Education and Resilience Level – Bristol Myers Squibb, Citizens Bank, Community Access Unlimited, Delta Dental, Steven E. Geltzeiler, Legacy Treatment Services, Lexpath, Lundbeck and MikeWorldWide (MWW)
About the Mental Health Association in New Jersey
The Mental Health Association in New Jersey is a statewide non-profit organization whose mission is to strive for children and adults to achieve victory over mental illness and substance use disorders through advocacy, education, training and services. For more information visit https://www.mhanj.org/.
You Can Help
If you were not able to attend the Evening of Excellence but would like to make a contribution, please click here.
Your support helps to assure that we will to continue to assist those New Jerseyans need.
