Devereux’s Gwen Skinner appointed to Georgia Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission

Devereux Vice President of Operations Gwen Skinner was recently selected to serve on the Georgia Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission.

The commission, comprised of lawmakers, judges, behavioral health professionals, educators and law enforcement officials, will conduct a comprehensive review of Georgia’s behavioral health system.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Vice President of Operations Gwen Skinner was recently selected to serve on the Georgia Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission.

The commission, created by legislation approved earlier this year by the Georgia General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp, will examine behavioral health services in the state. The commission’s 24 members were sworn in during a ceremony at the Georgia State Capitol in September.

Skinner was appointed to the commission by House Speaker David Ralston as a result of her 30-plus years of behavioral healthcare experience in both the public and private sectors. As vice president of operations, she is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations – including all programs and services – at Devereux’s Georgia, Florida and Texas centers.

“I am honored to serve on this crucial commission that will be considering new and innovative ideas to improve Georgia’s service delivery system,” said Skinner. “This is a unique opportunity to share knowledge and expertise with an outstanding group of behavioral health professionals. The commission has the potential to positively impact future outcomes of Georgia’s individual citizens, and our state, as a whole.”

Examining Georgia’s behavioral health services

The commission, which is comprised of lawmakers, judges, behavioral health professionals, educators and law enforcement officials, will conduct a comprehensive review of Georgia’s behavioral health system. The review will include:

Behavioral health services and facilities available in the state
Identification of behavioral health issues in children, adolescents and adults
Role of the educational system in the identification and treatment of behavioral health issues
Impact of behavioral health issues on the criminal justice system and the state’s homeless population
Legal and systemic barriers to treatment
Workforce shortages that impact the delivery of care
Access to care, and the role of payers in such access
Impact of untreated behavioral illnesses on children transitioning into adulthood

“This legislative session, we allocated $20 million for local health departments to better treat mental health issues and doubled funding for a successful program in Georgia schools to help students in crisis,” explained Gov. Brian Kemp in a press release announcing members of the commission. “Working together with communities and families, this commission of legislators, judges, subject-matter experts, and citizens will now examine how the state can improve access and delivery of behavioral health services for the people of Georgia.”

Latest News

		Devereux MA/RI celebrates opening of new residence hall for youth with special needs Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island recently celebrated the opening of a new residence hall for children, adolescents and young adults living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.
		Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes: Spotlight on Devereux Arizona Nursing Supervisor Heather Hanrahan At Devereux, our employees are at the heart of everything we do - and are key to our success. Learn how Devereux Arizona Nursing Supervisor Heather Hanrahan is serving and inspiring others every day.
		Devereux makes significant investments in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion As part of its commitment to combatting racism and fostering an equitable and inclusive work environment where cultural diversity is celebrated and valued, Devereux continues to make significant investments in its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion organizational transformation.
		Former Devereux Pennsylvania CBHS youth focuses on bright future Whether he is filling out college applications, applying for scholarships or exploring internship opportunities, 17-year-old old Xavier Stagg is focused on his future - one full of endless possibilities.
		Study using the DECA Program highlights value of social-emotional feedback A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Charlotte using the Devereux Center for Resilient Children’s (DCRC) Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) Program highlights the value of providing teachers with social and emotional feedback about the children in their classrooms.
		Devereux Pocono’s Michelle Wonders discusses signs, symptoms of depression on Radio.com’s Special Edition podcast In recognition of Depression Awareness Month in October, Devereux Pocono Clinical Director Michelle Wonders, Psy.D., discusses the signs and symptoms of depression, and how to get help if you are struggling, on Radio.com’s Special Edition podcast. (Note: To listen to Wonders’ segment, go to timecode 16:30.)
		Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes: Spotlight on Devereux Colorado Learning Manager Danyelle Grajeda At Devereux, our employees are at the heart of everything we do - and are key to our success. Learn how Devereux Colorado Learning Manager Danyelle Grajeda is serving and inspiring others every day.
		Devereux welcomed as affiliate partner of National Federation of Families Devereux was recently welcomed as an affiliate partner of the National Federation of Families, a family-run organization focused on improving the lives of children with mental health and/or substance use challenges - and their families.