The Pennsylvania Community Providers Association (PCPA) is pleased to announce the addition of Betty M. Simmonds to the policy staff of the organization. Ms. Simmonds began employment with the Association on September 7, filling the primary role as Mental Health Policy Specialist. Simmonds replaces Rebecca May Cole, who moved to a position within the Department of Health.
“We are delighted to have Betty joining the PCPA staff," stated George Kimes, Executive Director. She brings an extensive background in public policy, having worked for over eight years as a public policy analyst with PANPHA and seven years as an analyst with the Division of Nursing Care Facilities (formerly Division of Long Term Care) in the Department of Health. Her work has been primarily in the area of long-term care and she is familiar with behavioral health issues through her involvement with the former Joint Committee on Mental Health and Older People, the Central Pennsylvania Coalition on Mental Health and Aging, and the Long Term Care Committee of the Mental Health Association in Southeastern Pennsylvania. In addition, Ms. Simmonds has been involved in restraint reduction efforts and quality improvement programs for long-term care facilities. Simmonds has also served on the South Central Pennsylvania Regional Advisory Council of the Alzheimer’s Association in Pennsylvania for many years.
I am particularly pleased with Betty’s background in aging services,” continued Kimes. “The issues facing older adults with mental health, mental retardation, and substance use issues are significant and Betty’s expertise in that area will benefit our members.”
Simmonds can
be reached at the PCPA office via telephone (717-657-7078) or email (betty@paproviders.org).
