DHHS Shoutouts: Tilson Honored for Distinguished Public Service; Medicaid’s Henley Honored for Work; and More

State Health Director Betsey Tilson was honored for her public service by the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association.

June 21, 2018 - State Health Director Betsey Tilson, MD, received the Woodrow Wilson Award for Distinguished Government Service from the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association. The prestigious award is given to alumni who have brought credit to the University through their public service as elected or appointed officials. Past recipients of the award include Antonia Novello, former U.S. Surgeon General; Madeleine Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State; and Kweisi Mfume, former President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Medicaid Chief Medical Officer Nancy Henley, MD, was honored with the Nick Jeralds Award from SHIFT NC. The award recognizes a North Carolinian’s contribution to the prevention of teen pregnancy. SHIFT NC is a North Carolina nonprofit that advocates improving adolescent and young adult sexual health.

Henley also received an award from the North Carolina Ob-Gyn Society in April. The award is given “in recognition of an exemplary career devoted to patient care and public health advocacy, with special appreciation for being a champion for women’s health.” This award was given in part to recognize Henley’s work to increase access to highly effective contraceptives.

Donna Platt, the emergency preparedness coordinator for the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing was named one of West Corporation’s 50 influential people in 9-1-1. Platt was recognized for her work in improving accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people through the text to 9-1-1 call system.

Deaf/Deaf-Blind Services Coordinator Ashley Benton participated in a briefing before Congress on June 6. Benton spoke about the Helen Keller National Center’s training program, which provided her with a series of developmental skills that have contributed to much of Benton’s success.

For World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, the Division of Aging and Adult Services honored employees with a luncheon for their continued work fighting elder abuse in North Carolina. At Black Mountain Neuromedical Treatment Center, employees (pictured) wore purple to show their support of raising awareness of elder abuse. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day aims to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.

We’re looking for DHHS people and partners to give “shoutouts” to. Know of someone who deserves a shoutout? Reach out to your Division’s Communications Manager or email news@dhhs.nc.gov.