Philly’s ‘Color Me Back’ program is helping city residents get back on their feet

CBS News    July 15, 2021 An innovative program is helping individuals in Philadelphia experiencing economic insecurity get back on their feet—through the power of art. As part of the “CBS This Morning” series, A More Perfect Union, Errol Barnett shows us how the program is changing people’s lives and creating some beautiful public are in the […]

DBHIDS Names Dr. Jean Wright as New Deputy Commissioner

July 6, 2021 PHILADELPHIA — Dr. Jill Bowen, commissioner of the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, announced today the appointment of H. Jean Wright II, Psy.D., as deputy commissioner of DBHIDS. “As director of the DBHIDS Behavioral Health and Justice Division, Dr. Wright has worked tirelessly to reduce stigma, […]

DBHIDS Releases 2019 – 2020 Annual Report

July 6, 2021 The DBHIDS Commissioner’s Office is proud to release the second DBHIDS Annual Report, “Keeping the P.A.C.E.” The report covers July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020 — fiscal year 2020 — and highlights the incredible work completed by employees and providers on behalf of all Philadelphians. Read the annual report here

Boost Your Mood During Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in July

Phila.gov    July 2, 2021 CLICK TO READ ENTIRE RELEASE ON PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA — Behavioral health issues don’t discriminate. But the stigma around asking for help can be a powerful deterrent in some minority communities. July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, and the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) is […]

Black Barbers ‘Know Your Mental Health’ Podcast

June 19, 2021 Despite traumas of the pandemic, violence, and poverty, most Black men won’t admit they need #mentalhealth support. Join DJ Cosmic Kev, Loraine Ballard Morrill, and the Black Barbers as they address how to erase the stigma that prevents men from getting help. With special guests Dr. H. Jean Wright II, Psy.D., director […]

Department of Human Services Announces Expansion of Peer-Support Program for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum

Pennsylvania Pressroom    June 2, 2021 Read entire release at Pennsylvania Pressroom Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Human Services (DHS) today highlighted the expansion of the Community Autism Peer Specialist (CAPS) Program, a first-of-its-kind program in Philadelphia that connects an individual with autism to support from certified peer specialists. These peer specialists help foster individual connections […]

Boost Your Mood in May for Mental Health Awareness Month

Phila.gov    May 27, 2021 CLICK TO READ FULL BLOG POST “How are you doing?” “It’s OK to not be OK.” These are simple ways you can pitch in to boost another person’s mood! In advance of Mental Health Awareness Month 2021, the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) rolled out […]

HIPAA Breach Update: May 27, 2021

May 27, 2021 Posted 6/1/20Updated 6/15/20Updated 6/24/20Updated 8/14/20Updated 10/5/20Updated 12/7/20Updated 1/4/21Updated 5/27/21 CLICK TO READ ENTIRE RELEASE AT PHILA.GOV Email Phishing Campaign Causes Potential Data Breach at the City of Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA — The City of Philadelphia (the “City”) announced today an update on its investigation into a security incident that may have permitted multiple employee […]

‘We Breathe, We Live: Brotherly Love Protest Stories’ part of ongoing dialogue about race and policing in the U.S.

Generocity.com    May 25, 2021 Read full column on Generocity.com There are some events and dates in life that you will never forget.Dates that leave a long-lasting mark on one’s psyche, remembering where you were, how the space felt, the emotions you had and the thoughts that immediately entered your mind. When the news broke that George […]

‘We Breathe, We Live: Brotherly Love Protest Stories’ Film on WHYY

May 25, 2021 “We Breathe, We Live: Brotherly Love Protest Stories” presents the first-person experiences of seven men of color from a variety of backgrounds who participated in the George Floyd-inspired Black Lives Matters protests during the summer of 2020 in Philadelphia. The powerful, emotional stories — woven together with conversations about race, trauma, and healing […]