Late January Team Highlights

Opioid Task Force Holds Kickoff Meeting, Listening Sessions
On Jan. 11, the Mayor’s Task Force to Combat the Opioid Epidemic held its first meeting. The task force, headed by Dr. Evans and DPH Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley, is commissioned with developing a comprehensive and coordinated plan to reduce opioid abuse, dependence and overdose in Philadelphia, and draft a report of findings and recommendations for action to the Mayor. The 20-member Task Force, co-chaired by Dr. Evans and Dr. Farley, will meet semi-monthly for two-hour meetings between Jan. 11 and March 22, with a final report produced by the end of April. Additionally, public Listening Sessions will be held in the city’s communities most affected by the opioid epidemic. To learn more, visit the task force’s website.

Dr. Evans Leaving DBHIDS to Head APA
DBHIDS Commissioner Dr. Arthur C. Evans has announced his plans to leave the department in February to join the American Psychological Association (APA) as CEO. Dr. Evans has lead DBHIDS for the last 12 years, and has been recognized nationally and internationally as an innovative and effective policymaker. Among his numerous awards, he was named by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy as an Advocate for Action in 2015. In 2013, he received the American Medical Association’s top government service award in health care, the Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service, for his leadership in transforming the Philadelphia behavioral health system, particularly around the adoption of a public health framework.

Dr. Evans Honored During MLK Awards Luncheon
DBHIDS Commissioner Dr. Arthur C. Evans was named as a recipient of the Philadelphia Martin Luther King, Jr. Association for Nonviolence Drum Major Award. Dr. Evans received this honor at the annual luncheon held Jan. 16 at the Sheraton Downtown Hotel. Also honored with a Drum Major Award was Philadelphia Foundation president and CEO Pedro Ramos.

Alma Jean Taylor to Retire from DBHIDS
Alma Jean Taylor, MSW, LSW, ACSW, has announced plans to retire from DBHIDS in February. Alma Jean has been involved in activities that support system transformation initiatives designed to transform behavioral health services in Philadelphia to a recovery oriented focus. Please join us in wishing Alma Jean the best in her future endeavors. You can also learn more about the celebration for Alma Jean to be held from 12-3 p.m. Feb. 22.

Department Hosts Another Successful Cook-Off
The second annual DBHIDS Cook-Off was a great success, raising $633.84 for the Combined Campaign. Thanks to all who came to sample the delicious offerings Nov. 30 and voted with their dollars. This year’s Top Chef was John Kenney, who served a terrine and was accompanied by Matthew Mizak on ukulele; they raised the most money and won a lunch with Dr. Evans. The winner for Best Presentation was Erin Maloney, who earned a gift card. The two-year total raised for the Combined Campaign is $1,912.19.

Ben Alston Joins DBHIDS
Ben Alston has joined DBHIDS as a Management Trainee reporting to Jeffrey Orlin. Ben is a Temple University graduate, Business Administration majoring in Human Resources Administration and Risk Management/Insurance. He has previous experience working for the City of Philadelphia, including positions in both the Finance and Law Department. Ben will be working on the seventh floor at 1101 Market Street. Be sure to stop by and welcome Ben to the team.

Eugenia Fitzhugh Joins DBHIDS
Eugenia Fitzhugh has joined the organization as an Administrative Assistant responsible for the administrative support and coordination of community-based activities on behalf of DBHIDS within the Community-Based Services Development unit. She will also be involved with the administrative coordination and support of specialized initiatives, projects, and activities within the Planning and Innovation division. Eugenia received several degrees in Bible/Ministry from Lancaster Bible College and Geneva College with high honors. She is currently working on her MBA at Eastern University with a concentration in management. She will be located on the eighth floor at 1101 Market Street. Be sure to stop by and welcome her to the team

National Mental Health Crisis Line:

TWITTER TIMELINE

SUICIDE AND CRISIS INTERVENTION LINE

MENTAL HEALTH DELEGATE HOTLINE

NEED HELP NOW!

INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY SERVICES

CBH COMPLIANCE HOTLINE

HOMELESS OUTREACH HOTLINE