For Immediate Release
July 13, 2012
Contact: Julie Henry, 919-855-4840
julie.henry@dhhs.nc.gov
Secretary Delia Selects Jarrard to Lead Division of Mental Health
RALEIGH - N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Secretary Al Delia has announced the appointment of Jim Jarrard as acting director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services (MH/DD/SAS), effective immediately. Jarrard has been deputy director of the division since October 2010 and worked closely with Division Director Steve Jordan, who was killed last week in a bicycle crash.
“The Department suffered a devastating loss with Steve’s death and we will miss his energy and passion for mental health services and the people we serve,” Delia said. “Jim Jarrard is a knowledgeable and respected leader who I am confident will continue to lead the Division in a positive direction.”
Jarrard has been with the Division of MH/DD/SAS since 1994, serving in a variety of roles. Prior to becoming deputy director, Jarrard was chief of the Resource and Regulatory Management Section, which is responsible for fiscal monitoring, accountability, and regulatory compliance, support of information technology and contracts management. He also served as a team lead for Accountability. Jarrard holds a doctorate in theology and was a pastoral counselor and parish minister before joining the Division.
“Our division is a great model of resiliency for the consumers we serve,” Jarrard said. “We have a duty to keep the focus on our mission to protect the health, safety and well-being of all North Carolinians. I look forward to continuing our positive and productive relationships with community advocates, partners and providers.”
The Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services (MH/DD/SAS) provides leadership and support to community partners, providers and local management entities/managed care organizations to deliver prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs for persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse disorders in North Carolina.
