Debbie Sanford, Forrest General Chief Behavioral Health Services Officer, has been named a 2011 Behavioral Healthcare Champion. This award, given annually by Behavioral Healthcare magazine, recognizes leadership of senior executives in community mental health and addiction treatment facilities nationwide. Behavioral Healthcare is the practical resource on technology, reimbursement, and treatment trends for managers and clinicians in the mental health and substance abuse fields.
Sanford began her work as Pine Grove’s lead administrator in 2006, and has since helped guide Pine Grove through the addition of new services, including new outpatient workshop services and expansion of the Evaluation Center, which provides evaluations for many kinds of patients dealing with addictions or behavioral health issues. Sanford was nominated for this prestigious recognition by her peers and selected as one of five award winners by the Behavioral Healthcare magazine editorial team. Champions will receive their awards during the National Conference on Addiction Disorders (NCAD) in San Diego, California in September.
“These champions and the organizations that they lead represent the important and continuing contributions that behavioral health professionals are making in addressing and treating those who suffer from substance use and mental health disorders across the country,” said Dennis Grantham, Editor-in-Chief of Behavioral Healthcare magazine. “Each has played an important role in leading approaches that help thousands, from young children and teens to adults and those involved in the criminal justice system, to recover and reclaim their lives.”
The 2011 Behavioral Healthcare Champions are:
- Debbie Sanford - Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
- Rich DeHaven - Aspire Indiana, Noblesville, Indiana
- Leon Evans - The Center for Health Care Services, San Antonio, Texas
- Jeff Patton - Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Kalamazoo, Michigan
- Matt Feehery - Memorial Hermann Prevention and Recovery Center, Houston, Texas
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