Dr. Frank Ghinassi of RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers University and Donald Parker of Hackensack Meridian Health will be two of the honorees when the Mental Health Association of New Jersey hosts its annual Evening of Excellence on Nov. 15 at the Park Savoy in Florham Park.
The association will be honoring four individuals and one organization for bringing hope, innovative approaches and pioneering developments that help improve the lives of New Jersey residents living with mental health and/or substance use conditions and their family members. They all are considered behavioral health pioneers.
Ghinassi serves as the CEO of Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care and as senior vice president of the Behavioral Health and Addictions Service Line for RWJBarnabas Health. Parker is the president of Behavioral Health Care Transformation Services at Hackensack Meridian Health.
Others being honored:
- Edward Dobleman: The director of a crisis intervention team, CIT-NJ, and a retired chief of police;
- Purple Swans Corp.: A nonprofit New Jersey dance troupe dedicated to integrating Chinese and American performing arts, while using their platform to make a positive impact on communities;
- Emily Grossman: The author of “Unlocked: From Psych Hospital to Higher Self” will serve as a guest speaker and honoree.
Mental Health Association CEO Carolyn Beauchamp praised all of the honorees.
“Our honorees are extremely deserving of recognition for their creativity and dedication to improving behavioral health and wellness in New Jersey,” she said. “We are pleased to highlight their spectacular accomplishments and look forward to continuing our own work, striving for the best possible mental health for children and adults in our state.”
For information on the event, click here.
