Message from the CEO

Leading the Way

 

I am the very proud Chairman and CEO of this wonderful organization.  As I reflect back on the last year, I am amazed and impressed by everything that has been accomplished.  NHS staffers are not just totally committed to our mission, but they are also clearly focused on our vision as well.  NHS is leading the way to a future that reflects the best practices and highest quality of care supported by the most current technology and support systems available.  At the same time, NHS is leading the way to new service locations, taking the NHS mission and reputation for quality into new places.

Our industry is dynamic. Every day new information is revealed that affects our programs.  We are constantly challenged to consider the best way to deliver services to our consumers. This year, the startling figures released from the Centers for Disease Control regarding the prevalence of autism, and the potential impact for the future, has compelled us to examine our priorities in this area. As a result, we moved ahead with plans to increase our programs to respond to the growing demand.

In the addictive diseases service line, new treatment options are available through NHS programs.  In Philadelphia, individuals now have the option of using the drug Suboxone® as a treatment for opiate addiction. This drug treatment, which is not yet widely available, is less potent, less subject to abuse, and a better  option for many consumers.

NHS is in the forefront nationally in the development of highly specialized juvenile justice programs.  Our NHS Academy offers a continuum of care that combines best clinical practices with innovative programming to surround young people with the help and support they need to succeed in life.  Our model allows young people to move seamlessly between NHS programs to insure that all aspects of their care are coordinated.  We work closely with the court systems in 65 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties to enhance access to our programs and promote cooperation, especially in family involvement and post-program planning.

Our Information Technology Department has clearly led the way this year with the implementation of the long anticipated Kronos timekeeping system.  This new software program puts us at the top of our industry technologically for tracking and monitoring employee time in a way that is accurate and less time consuming for staff and supervisors.  This year also saw the implementation of state-of-the-art, enhanced telecommunication capacity at our corporate headquarters, and plans are underway to make this available throughout our system.

Our staff are leaders in every sense of the word.  They are committed to excellence academically and professionally and I am proud of their accomplishments.  Training and education are high priorities within the NHS family.  We view our responsibility to train future leaders as important as our need to stay current and up-to-date on the changes within our disciplines.  Our collegial relationships with local institutions of higher learning such as Penn State University, Drexel University College of Medicine, Widener University, Bryn Mawr University, Chestnut Hill College, and Eastern College provide opportunities for partnerships that afford opportunities to learn and teach.

I am especially excited about the development of a new NHS Training Center which will be fully operational in 2008 and will allow us to provide more and better opportunities for training and education.  This state-of-the-art facility will link amazing technology with outstanding teachers.  With the ability to teleconference and utilize other new, sophisticated equipment, opportunities for training which previously had been limited geographically, or by time constraints, will be available to many more people.

It is my privilege not just to lead this organization, but in many ways to also be led by the people in it.  Every day I am reminded of the talent and resources within NHS and the dedication, perseverance, and, commitment of our staff and consumers.  They all continue to teach me, to help me to be a better person, and to inspire me to stay “on mission” to ensure that NHS continues to lead the way.