NEWARK — The New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies today honored Kimberly Ricketts, Acting Director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, for her leadership in improving the state's mental health care system.

Ricketts served as Executive Director of the Governor's Task Force on Mental Health prior to becoming Acting Consumer Affairs Director this month. Under her leadership, the task force submitted a series of recommendations designed to improve mental health care for state residents.

"With Acting Governor Codey's support, our task force developed an action plan to better serve individuals with mental illness," Ricketts said. "Improving mental health care services is a priority for this administration and I am gratified that the community providers who directly serve clients are honoring the changes that we have identified and are implementing."

Ricketts was honored during the NJAMHA's 54th Annual Conference. The association cited her leadership in guiding the task force in its work. Prior to joining Consumer Affairs, Ricketts spent 13 years working in behavioral health and social services.

Among the professions licensed and regulated by Consumer Affairs are alcohol and drug counselors, marriage counselors, professional counselors, psychologists and social workers.

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