A year in the COVID-19 pandemic, Philly health officials want to ‘Boost Your Mood’

KYW    March 22, 2021 CLICK TO SEE FULL REPORT FROM KYW The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services has launched a new effort for Philadelphians who feel down, or overwhelmed, by COVID-19 or any of the other challenges the city has faced in the past year. “In the year since COVID arrived in Philadelphia, […]

City announces campaign to help strengthen mind and body

Metro    March 17, 2021 The Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) announced a public awareness campaign that offers a behavioral health booster for the mind while people are getting their COVID-19 vaccination to protect their bodies. The campaign, titled “Boost Your Mood,” brings information on how to easily access mental health services […]

COVID in Philadelphia: City to Keep Restrictions in Place after Pennsylvania Allows Larger Crowds

CBS3    March 17, 2021 PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — COVID-19 restrictions in Philadelphia will remain in effect for now. City officials announced Tuesday they will not align with the state in allowing larger crowds, but it could be easier for people to get vaccinated in the city. The city will allow some people who are qualified to get […]

Addressing trauma in children as gun violence continues to impact Philly teens

FOX29    March 12, 2021 With gun violence continuing to rise, especially among younger Philadelphians, FOX29’s “Good Morning Philadelphia” program reached out for an expert to discuss the root cause and what can be done. Behavioral Health and Justice Division Director Dr. Jean Wright appeared on the program March 12 to share insights about the development of […]

HIPAA Breach Update

January 4, 2021 Posted 6/1/20Updated 6/15/20Updated 6/24/20Updated 8/14/20Updated 10/5/20Updated 12/7/20Updated 1/4/21 Click to read entire official notice (PDF download, updated 1/4/21) The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (“DBHIDS”) is posting this notice to alert individuals that their personal health information may have been compromised as a result of a cybersecurity attack. This […]

Mayor Kenney Announces Permanent Appointment of Jill Bowen as Commissioner of DBHIDS

December 17, 2020 Click for entire news release PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Kenney today announced the permanent appointment of Dr. Jill Bowen as Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS). “It’s always a pleasure to find that the very best choice to fill a crucial position is someone right here with […]

Mental health and battling depression during a pandemic

Fox 29    November 23, 2020 CMO of the Department of Behavioral Health Dr. Sosunmolu Shoyinka and CEO and Founder of V.O.I.C.E Laquisha Anthony joined Good Day Philadelphia to talk about mental health and battling depression especially during tough times like a pandemic. Click to watch

Message from Acting DBHIDS Commissioner Dr. Jill Bowen

October 29, 2020 Click to read entire official news release Dear Philadelphia Residents, Families, and Communities: The multiple layers of trauma experienced over the past several months across the country have deeply impacted us here in Philadelphia. From the ongoing disruption, uncertainty and isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic to the tragic deaths of black and […]

Intellectual disAbility Services Names Kleckner J. Charles as New Director

October 20, 2020 PHILADELPHIA – The City’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) announced today that it has selected Kleckner J. Charles to serve as director of its division of Intellectual disAbility Services (IDS). Charles will pursue the expansion of intellectual disability services and supports and improved outcomes for Philadelphia residents. He […]

Community Behavioral Health Names Dr. Faith Dyson-Washington as New CEO

September 28, 2020 PHILADELPHIA – Community Behavioral Health (CBH), a division of the City’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS), has selected Dr. Faith Dyson-Washington to serve as chief executive officer. Washington will strive to expand behavioral health availability and improve outcomes for Philadelphia residents. She will begin in her official capacity on October 12. […]