Member Spotlight

Celebrating Excellence:
Maiysha Ware Receives the Nyswander/Dole "Marie" Award

Our very own Maiysha Ware, NJATOD President, accepted the notable Nyswander/Dole “Marie” Award which is the highest accolade AATOD can bestow on someone in recognition for having made significant contributions in the field of opioid use disorder treatment.

Dr. Vincent Dole and Dr. Marie Nyswander were the first recipients of this Award in 1983. AATOD has been responsible for bestowing this honor since the first Regional Conference of 1984 in New York.

Maiysha Ware AATOD Award Recipient with Group
Maiysha sharing the moment with colleagues
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Maiysha and Maggie pose together during award ceremony
Maiysha Ware and Margaret Rizzo
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The Awards Ceremony was held prior to the Middle Plenary Session on the morning of Tuesday, May 21, 2024, with the Awards Dinner that evening. Maiysha accepted this coveted award and recognized the long line of NJ recipients and NJATOD members, who she noted she has long admired and respected:

  • Ed Higgins (1985)
  • Dr. Susan Neshin (1997)
  • Barbara Schlichting (2012)
  • Alan Oberman (2019)

Additionally, recognizing the 2024 Conference Chair, Dr. Dinita Smith (former NJATOD President) who she credits for her involvement with NJATOD.

Special thanks were given to all those who nominated and supported her nomination with special recognition to Adam Bucon – as she coins as “the best SOTA ever!” – and her NJATOD Executive team:

  • Maggie Rizzo, Board Delegate
  • Christie Hanvey
  • Sandra Lutomski

The acknowledgements were topped off with an emotional sentiment to her father, the late Lewis Ware, who was a pioneer in the field of opioid treatment, leading one of NJ’s largest opioid treatment programs for decades.  Maiysha spoke on how her father planted fundamental seeds that taught her that this journey had purpose, which she captured in a quote…

"You could have told me life’s lessons, but I may have forgotten. Sometimes you showed me and I tried to remember, but more often you involved me and I understood, saw and lived."

Maiysha & Colleague
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New Jersey Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (NJATOD), founded in 1984,  represents 42 Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) in New Jersey, both small and large non-profit organizations and small and large proprietary (for-profit) operations. NJATOD has established key relationships with state authorities, which affords the association the opportunity to work collaboratively with State and Local Authorities concerning opioid treatment policies, standards, and regulations to ensure the viability of a best-practice, evidenced-based opioid treatment system within the State of New Jersey.  While much has been accomplished to-date,  there is still much work left to do. 

NJATOD relies on the support of its allies in its efforts of making the opioid treatment community a significant player – with respect to the health and human welfare of persons with OUD. May we all continue to work together, nurture and support each other and help exemplify the unique image of MOUD within OTPs as dynamic, vital, and medically critical holistic approach using our strong, unified voice. MORE THAN JUST MEDICATION.

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