As Governor Rendell’s term comes to an end, some key leaders are taking their leave.  The Mental Health Association in PA wants to take this opportunity to honor the following two “Public Servants” who were key to the oversight and leadership of PA’s public children’s mental health system, during these eight years of unprecedented partnership with the advocacy community, consumers, and families.

Estelle Richman served as the Secretary of Public Welfare.  Many families will remember her personal commitment to the welfare of their children. Notable areas the Secretary championed were the elimination of restraints, trauma-informed care, autism services, re-instatement of the Governor’s Commission on Children and Families, and County Integrated Children’s Service Planning.  Perhaps most notable among her accomplishments was the protection of the Department’s budget under constant threat during these challenging economic times. Secretary Richman left Harrisburg in December for an appointment to the Obama Administration as chief operating officer at the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). There is no doubt that Secretary Richman will continue her commitment to keep people living in their homes and communities in her new position.

Joan Erney has served with distinction since the early days of the Rendell Administration as Deputy Secretary for the OMHSAS.  Deputy Secretary Erney is a long-time friend of children with mental health needs and their families. She was one of the founding members of the children’s mental health reform work in Pennsylvania in the early 1990′s and has remained a champion for children and their families.  One of her first acts as Deputy Secretary was to re-create the Bureau of Children’s Behavioral Health Services within OMHSAS. This Deputy Secretary stood firm in preserving funding for mental health services for children and adults in the Commonwealth budgets.  She championed the need for children and adults to live with respect and dignity in their community. Deputy Secretary Erney leaves OMHSAS this May for the private sector where she will continue to work on behalf of the mental health and wellness of children and adults.