Pictured left to right: Linda Jones, DSS Program Manager; Carmen Morrow, DSS Administrative Assistant; Bob Ring, DSS HR Director; Tara Myers, DHHS Deputy Secretary; Susan Osborne, DHHS Assistant Secretary for County Operations; Heidi Norwick, DSS Board Chair and United Way President; Wendell Osborne, Susan’s husband; Angela Cole, DSS Children’s Services Program Director; Lynette Wellons, DSS Children’s Services Program Director; Jason Cole, DSS IT Director; and Sara Osborne Huffman, Susan’s daughter.
April 10, 2019 – Susan Osborne, DHHS’ Assistant Secretary for County Operations, was recently awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Osborne received the award from DHHS Deputy Secretary for Human Services Tara Myer.
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award is one of the highest honors given by the Governor of North Carolina. This award is for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their “exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.”
Osborne has worked in the human services field for more than 34 years. Prior to recently joining DHHS, Osborne was the director of the Alamance County Department of Social Services. During her tenure, the Alamance County DSS one of the first local departments to implement the principles of System of Care, which is a community-based service that builds relationships by partnering with parents who are involved in the child welfare system.
Osborne was recognized as being the driving force in creating Family Justice Center. At the Family Justice Center, professionals from different disciplines work together to provide consolidated and coordinated safety, legal and social aid to individuals and families in need throughout Alamance County. She has also played a key role in the Stepping Up Initiative in Alamance County. The mission of the initiative is to reduce the number of persons with mental illness or co-occurring and substance use who are involved with the criminal justice system.
Stacie Saunders, Alamance County’s health director, wrote a letter of support for Osborne.
“She is an advocate, a cheerleader, a champion, a mentor, a learner and most of all someone who cares about making her community better,” Saunders said.
Osborne’s efforts have led to new partnerships and initiatives that focus on collectively working to provide processes, resources and services to children, youth and families in Alamance County.
Madhulika Vulmiri published in Health Affairs journal
Madhulika Vulmiri speaking at the press briefing in Washington, D.C.
Madhulika Vulimiri was the lead author of an article recently published in the journal Health Affairs on engaging Medicaid beneficiaries in programs that incentivize health-promoting behaviors. She also spoke at a press briefing held by the journal in Washington, D.C., on the topic of "Patients as Consumers."
Disability Parking Spots Repainted to Focus on Accessibility
Deputy Secretary for Health Services Mark Benton and Chief of Staff for Health Services Matt Herr repaint handicap parking spaces at Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Campus.
Deputy Secretary for Health Services Mark Benton, Chief of Staff for Health Services Matt Herr and members of the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities repainted 25 handicap spaces with a more active-looking accessible icon in honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month during March. The volunteers repainted six spaces at the Council on Developmental Disabilities office and 19 on the Dorothea Dix Campus, all in Raleigh.
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.