New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies

After serving in the United States Navy, including Operation Desert Storm on a Destroyer in the Red Sea, and being discharged in 1994, Eric Arauz was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder and was hospitalized in three maximum security psychiatric hospitals from 1995 to 2000. Today, he is a successful entrepreneur, an internationally well-known inspirational speaker and co-chair of a national workgroup that focuses on suicide prevention. The New Jersey Mental Health Institute (NJMHI) and partners are proud that Arauz will deliver the keynote presentation at their conference, A True Welcome Home: Ensuring New Jersey Veterans' Successful Return through Resources and Support, on February 7, 2013 at the Robert Wood Johnson Conference Center in Hamilton, NJ.

"Eric is a supreme example of the successes that veterans and other individuals with mental illness, addictions or co-occurring disorders can achieve, not only in their recovery from these illnesses, but also in so many areas of their lives," said Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., Executive Director of NJMHI and Chief Executive Officer of NJMHI's parent organization, the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA). "I am eager to hear first hand of the amazing progress Eric has made from enduring uncontrollable psychosis and physical deterioration to becoming a strong, vital person in all aspects. I was thoroughly engrossed in his novel that vividly illustrated these life-changing experiences and I have no doubt his personal presentation will be as powerful and unforgettable his book, if not more so."

Arauz's novel, An American's Resurrection: A New Jersey Veteran's Journey from Trauma to Triumph, was published this year and is available from www.amazon.com. A link to the specific Amazon web page, along with testimonials on the book and information about Arauz and his business, AIE-Arauz Inspirational Enterprises, LLC, is available at www.ericarauz.com.The conference is being presented by NJMHI, in partnership with Community Hope, Inc. and University Behavioral HealthCare, which are NJAMHAA member behavioral healthcare provider organizations; the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; the Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma; and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Jersey.Additional highlights of the conference will include:* Presentations of the United for Veterans Honored Federal Leader award to Congressman Jon Runyan (R-3rd District)* Panel discussions with behavioral healthcare providers, veterans, family members of veterans and state leaders focused on supporting veterans, focusing on overcoming barriers and building solutions* Workshops on how everyone can support veterans, a public health perspective on military suicide and how veterans can maximize the value offered by various resources

"In addition to inspiring attendees, whether or not they have behavioral health challenges, this conference is designed to inform veterans and their family members about valuable resources that are available throughout the state. The program will also educate veterans' family members and all types of professionals about veterans' common needs and challenges and how to offer support to veterans as they re-acclimate to civilian life," Dr. Wentz said. "We hope to see many representatives from veterans' service organizations, state legislators and policymakers, employers, law enforcement and criminal justice personnel, health professionals and college educators at this important event," Dr. Wentz said.

For conference details and to register, visit the Conferences section of www.njamhaa.org.

The Veterans Conference was made possible through support from Johnson & Johnson.