Womazetta Jones adds BHDDH to EOHHS responsibility, for now – Gina Macris

by Gina Macris, Developmental Disabilities News

Photo: Womazetta Jones photo by Richard Asinof, ConvergenceRI

Rhode Island’s chief health and human services executive, Womazetta Jones, will serve as interim director of the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH) and conduct a “thorough review” of the agency, Governor Daniel McKee announced April 9.

BHDDH has been beset by controversy over the discharge of some long-time patients of Eleanor Slater Hospital who, advocates say, have been left without the support they need in the community.

BHDDH officials have denied the reduction in patients is a cost-cutting measure. The state may have to compensate for tens of millions of dollars of federal Medicaid funding for Eleanor Slater Hospital which it had counted on to balance the BHDDH budget until mid-2019.

Jones will continue her work as Executive Secretary of Health and Human Services while serving at BHDDH, according to McKee spokesman Matt Sheaff. That means she is expected to be hands-on at BHDDH while also overseeing three other agencies: the Departments of Health, Human Services, and Children, Youth and Families.

McKee said in a statement he wants Jones to make recommendations to him “on issues including, but not limited to, departmental policy, operations, staffing and quality standards for patient care.”

Jones is stepping in for A. Kathryn Power, whose resignation McKee announced April 5.

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CPNRI Public Forum Monday To Shape Agenda For I/DD Advocacy

The Community Provider Network of Rhode Island (CPNRI) will host a virtual town hall Monday, April 12, on issues affecting affecting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and advocates.

Registration is required to gain access to the Zoom event, which will run from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Register by clicking here.

Those who register will receive a confirmation email which will include a link to a story collection form where participants may submit personal stories about their experiences during the pandemic. The stories will help inform CPNRI conversations and upcoming advocacy efforts. CPNRI is a trade association representing about two dozen private agencies that serve adults with developmental disabilities.

Participants also may email [email protected] to submit questions or suggest topics for discussion during the meeting.