Category: Blog

Kevin Brenan Joins RHA Health Services as Chief Financial Officer

January 18, 2021

RHA Health Services is pleased to announce that Kevin Brenan has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer, effective January 18, 2021. In this role, Kevin oversees all of the company’s financial operations and reports to Jeanne Duncan, RHA’s Chief Executive Officer.

“I am pleased to welcome Kevin to the RHA team,” said Jeanne. “His decades of experience in the healthcare field will be valuable as we continue to build on RHA’s strong foundation of quality and improve our operations.”

Kevin is a veteran of healthcare finance with 30 years of experience. He comes to RHA from PruittHealth in Atlanta, where he served as Chief Financial Officer for the past six years.

“I am very excited to join the RHA family,” said Kevin. “RHA has a strong reputation of high-quality care and I look forward to supporting our continued excellence for the communities we serve.”

Kevin has previously served as Senior Vice President and CFO for Saint Joseph’s Health System in Atlanta. After earning his undergraduate degree in Accountancy from the University of Notre Dame, Kevin began his career as an Audit Senior Manager with Ernst & Young. He is a member of the AICPA, and an Advanced Member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

Kevin’s community involvement includes fundraising for the American Heart Association/Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Sibley Cardiology Center and serving as a member of the Saint Joseph’s Health System Board of Trustees and Saint Joseph’s Mercy Care Services Finance Committee.

Jay Farber Promoted to Vice President of Finance

November 30, 2020

RHA Health Services is pleased to announce that Jay Farber has been promoted to Vice President of Finance, effective November 9, 2020. In this role, Jay will focus on RHA’s budgeting and accounting functions and financial reporting and auditing.

“I am extremely excited about Jay’s well-deserved promotion,” said Nick Sulaiman, President of RHA Health Services. “Jay’s ability to support RHA during its evolution and growth is remarkable. In the 15 years that I have worked with Jay, he has always had a smile on his face and has capably supported us regardless of any challenges he has faced. I wish Jay luck and success as a key leader at RHA for years to come.”

Jay joined RHA Health Services in 2003 as a staff accountant and has since served as senior accountant, assistant controller and corporate controller before being promoted to Vice President of Finance.

“During my time with RHA, I have had the opportunity to work alongside a great team of individuals,” Jay said. “I am honored to continue this journey and lead by example as we develop strategies to advance RHA’s mission of being a leading provider of healthcare solutions for people with intellectual disabilities and people with mental health and substance use challenges.”

Jay holds a bachelor’s degree in management from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a certificate in accounting. Prior to joining RHA, he served in an accounting role with Pediatric Services of America.

RHA Health Services Wilmington Behavioral Health Office Moving to New Location

As of November 2, the office will be located at 1920 S. 16th St. in Wilmington

(Wilmington, NC) — RHA Health Services’ Wilmington Behavioral Health office is moving to a new location. The office, which is currently located at 2023 South 17th Street, will move to 1920 South 16th Street in Wilmington effective Nov. 2, 2020.

Continuing Behavioral Health Services in Wilmington

RHA Health Services will continue to provide comprehensive outpatient and community-based behavioral health and substance use services at its new 1920 South 16th Street location in Wilmington. Regular operating hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Wilmington office can provide services in-person, or by phone or computer. Safety protocols are in place for all in-person services to keep our staff and those we serve safe.

For more information or to access services, please call 910.632.2191.

Behavioral health services that will be available at RHA’s new Wilmington address include:

Basic Outpatient Services

  • Comprehensive Clinical Assessments: Open access hours M/W/F, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. (To receive an initial assessment without an appointment.)
  • Medication Management
  • Outpatient Therapy: Individual, Family & Group

Crisis Services

  • Mobile Crisis Management: Available 24/7, Call 1-844-709-4097
  • Walk-in Crisis Clinic: Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Other Outpatient & Community-Based Services

  • Community Support Team
  • Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services
  • Early Intervention – SHORE Program
  • Intensive In-Home Services
  • Peer Support Services
  • School-Based Therapy
  • Transition Management Services

The Wilmington office also includes Hilltop, RHA’s Comprehensive Substance Use Services program. Hilltop specializes in providing comprehensive wraparound support, advocacy, and various levels of treatment to people who struggle with addictive diseases. Hilltop services include Comprehensive Clinical Assessments, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program (SAIOP) and Substance Abuse Outpatient Program (SAOP).

24/7 Crisis Care Remains Available!

RHA’s Mobile Crisis Management (MCM) Team is available 24/7/365 in person or via telephone or computer. To access RHA’s MCM mental health or substance use crisis services, call 1.844.709.4097.

Our MCM East Team serves eight counties in Eastern NC: Brunswick, Carteret, Craven, Jones, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico and Pender.

Mobile Crisis Management services provide intensive, community-based response, stabilization and intervention for people of all ages who are experiencing a crisis due to mental health disturbances, developmental disabilities, or addiction. MCM services are available regardless of ability to pay.

Note: If experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately and/or go to the closest emergency room.

Questions?

Please direct all inquiries to Brian Mingia, Wilmington Operations Director at 910.632.2191.

Hope4NC Helpline Available to Support North Carolinians’ Mental Health During COVID-19 Pandemic

The Hope4NC Helpline (1-855-587-3463) is available to everyone in North IDD mental healthCarolina’s 100 counties to provide them with mental health and resilience supports and help them cope and build resilience during times of crisis. Hope4NC includes a Crisis Counseling Program tailored specifically to COVID-19. It provides immediate crisis counseling services to individuals affected by the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis.

North Carolinians can call the Hope4NC Helpline (1-855-587-3463) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls are free and confidential. Multiple languages are supported, including Spanish. For those with hearing impairments, TTY is available as well.

Get the SCOOP on Managing Stress

It’s important to make sure you are taking care of your mental health. Idd mental healthcareBehavioral health is core to our overall health. The COVID-19 pandemic is an extraordinary event so it’s normal that individuals are experiencing significant behavioral health impacts. There are actions you can take, and resources available, to help maintain your mental health. Specific steps you can regularly take to improve and maintain your mental wellbeing are below.

The SCOOP on Managing Stress

S – Stay connected to family and friends. Social connections build resiliency.

C – Compassion for yourself and others. Self-compassion decreases trauma symptoms and stress.

O – Observe your use of substances. Early intervention can prevent problems.

O – Ok to ask for help. Struggling is normal. Asking for help is empowering.

P – Physical activity to improve your mood. Exercise boosts mood and lowers anxiety.

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Celebrate Direct Support Professionals Week 2020!

September 13-19, 2020 Direct Support Professional Recognition Week!

RHA would like to personally thank the many employees that work days, nights, weekends and holidays to serve the people we support, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Your dedication to keeping yourself and others safe is to be commended.

Read About A Few Incredible RHA Direct Support Professionals!

American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) Names Carla Garrison-Greene as Recipient of 2020 Georgia DSP of the Year Award

Lacretia Hill Named TNCO Outstanding DSP for Western Tennessee

Employee Spotlight – Taylor Tanner

FREE NADSP Webinar Schedule

Click link to register and join one of these free 1-hour webinars, hosted by the National Association of Direct Support Professionals.  All times Eastern.

September 14 at 1pm:  John F. Kennedy Jr. Award for Direct Support Workforce Advocacy and Leadership Presentation

September 15 at 1pm:  Coping with COVID

September 15 at 3pm:  Ongoing Staff Development in Disability Services

September 16 at 1pm: Invaluable Film Screening and Panel

September 17 at 1pm: The DSP Living Through History: The DSP Being Part of History

September 18 at 1pm: Words of Encouragement- Reflections from a Pandemic and Moving Forward to Professionalism and 2020 Gratitude Award Presentation

Videos

Helping People Live the Life THEY Choose – RHA Video

The Cost of Compassion – ANCOR DSP Video

Josh Christian Joins RHA Health Services as Chief Human Resources Officer

August 27, 2020

Josh Christian has joined RHA Health Services as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective August 17, 2020. In this role, Josh reports to Jeanne Duncan, RHA’s Chief Executive Officer.

“I’m excited to have Josh on board,” said Jeanne. “He has vast experience in both skilled nursing and healthcare systems, and I believe he will help RHA continue to improve our operations and quality.”

Josh joins RHA from UVA Health at the University of Virginia, where he served as Associate Vice President & Chief for UVA Health.

“Everything we do should connect to our mission of quality and care,” said Josh. “The best organizations are those where people understand how their work contributes to and impacts the customer. At RHA, that means the people we serve and support.”

Josh describes himself as a high-energy change agent who proactively assesses needs and implements innovative solutions. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University, and his MBA with a focus on Health/Health Care Administration/Management from Gardner-Webb University.

RHA HEALTH SERVICES ACHIEVES CQL PERSON-CENTERED EXCELLENCE ACCREDITATION

Asheville, NC – Danny Fulmer today announced that RHA Health Services (RHA) has been awarded the four-year Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation from CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership. This award confirms that the organization embraces person-centered solutions to improve the quality of life for people receiving supports and services.

RHA’s mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment where the people we support can live the life they choose.

“RHA has been accredited with CQL since 2001, making us one of the longest continuously accredited providers in the United States,” said Jeanne Duncan, RHA Chief Executive Officer. “I’m proud of the hard work and dedication of our team to ensure this important partnership continues.”

When RHA partnered with CQL to pursue accreditation, it undertook a rigorous process to review and improve supports and services. The efforts of RHA were focused on empowering the people who receive supports to pursue what really matters in their lives, and achieve their personally-defined outcomes.

RHA has been awarded CQL accreditation as a result of demonstrating proficiency in the following areas:
Basic Assurances® Ensuring fundamental safeguards related to health, safety and human security
Personal Outcome Measures® Supporting and empowering people to achieve their goals and dreams
Person-Centered Excellence Demonstrating organizational commitment to continued enhancement of systems

“CQL commends RHA Health Services for its success in increasing the quality of life for the people it supports. We are pleased to partner with them on this journey of ongoing organizational transformation,” states Mary Kay Rizzolo, president and CEO of CQL.

ABOUT CQL
The Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) is an international non-profit, virtual organization dedicated to the definition, measurement and improvement of personal quality of life. CQL’s vision is a world of dignity, opportunity and community for all people. Learn more about CQL by visiting: www.c-q-l.org

ABOUT RHA HEALTH SERVICES
RHA Health Services helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and substance use needs live their best lives. RHA focuses on intellectual & developmental disability (I/DD) services and supports to over 1,800 people in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. RHA is one of the largest mental health and substance use support organizations in North Carolina, serving over 25,000 annually.

RHA has been accredited by The Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) since 2001, and is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International.

RHA Health Services has an organizational commitment to helping people live the life they choose, by honoring each person’s dignity, independence, equitable treatment and full inclusion into the communities around them. We provide a holistic, person-centered approach to care guided by a system of values that puts the needs of the people we support at the center of every decision. www.rhahealthservices.org

David Hecht Promoted to Chief Strategy Officer

Focus on business development and strategic initiatives

July 31, 2020

David Hecht has been promoted to Chief Strategy Officer, effective August 1, 2020. David will focus on developing, communicating, executing and sustaining RHA Health Services’ strategic growth initiatives.

“RHA will always prioritize delivering person-centered, quality care to the individuals we serve,” said Jeanne Duncan, Chief Executive Officer. “Finding ways the company can grow and evolve is an important part of meeting that commitment. We look forward to David’s leadership in helping us execute this plan.”

David joined RHA Health Services in 2017 as Senior Vice President of Finance. Since then, David has played a vital role in leading RHA’s corporate finance division and acquisitions activity.

David has been a great cultural addition to RHA as well, bringing an ideal balance of business acumen, heart and humor. He has an autistic brother who receives services in another state, so he personally understands the importance of the services organizations such as RHA provide. David has also been an advocate for RHA employees, understanding that our quality is defined by our essential front-line workers.

“I look forward to working alongside my dedicated colleagues as we look to continue to grow RHA into one of the industry’s leading platforms for providing exceptional services to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to people with mental health and substance use challenges,” said Hecht.

Before joining RHA, David held various executive roles for Formation Capital, HealthPRO Management Services, JER Partners and Oliver Wyman. David earned his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and his Masters of Business Administration from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Sandy Feutz Promoted to Senior Vice President of Behavioral Health

Now Responsible for All RHA Behavioral Health Operations

July 22, 2020

Sandy Feutz, LCSW, has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Sandy FeutzBehavioral Health, effective July 21, 2020. Sandy will now be responsible for RHA Health Services Behavioral Health Operations, including: East/Central/West North Carolina regions, the behavioral health administrative team, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing services.

“The RHA Executive Team is excited to promote Sandy to this important role,” said Nick Sulaiman, President of RHA Health Services. “Sandy has been vital to the growth in our behavioral health business since she joined us in 2006, including her leadership in developing our flagship C3356 Comprehensive Care Center in Asheville.”

“During my time at RHA, I have witnessed the extraordinary growth of our behavioral health services, as we have maintained our focus on being a provider of high-quality, person-centered services that meet the needs of individuals, families, and our communities,” said Sandy. “Our organizational success is a direct result of the dedication of our incredible team members who embody our core values of passion, accountability, communications, and ethics. I am so proud of what we have accomplished thus far, and I am excited to lead the way as we continue moving forward.”

Sandy previously served as Vice President of Operations, providing leadership to RHA’s behavioral health treatment and prevention services in Western North Carolina. Sandy started as a Director in 2006, became a Regional Director in 2007, and has served as Vice President since 2009.

Based in Asheville, NC, Sandy has been directly involved with the provision, development, implementation, and oversight of behavioral health services and programs in this region since 1996.

Sandy’s clinical work focused on serving adults with serious mental illness in residential, outpatient, and crisis services settings. Sandy has successfully led multiple service transitions and start-ups of new behavioral health programming across the region.

Sandy earned a BSW from Appalachian State University and an MSW from the University of Maryland at Baltimore.

Shaun Roark Joins RHA as Vice President of Business Development

June 5, 2020

Please give a warm welcome to Shaun Roark, who joined RHA in May in a newly created position as Vice President of Business Development.

“RHA continues to pursue its mission to be a best-in-class provider of services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to those with mental health and substance use issues,” says David Hecht, Senior Vice President of Financial Services. “RHA wants to find other like-minded companies to potentially acquire. Shaun brings a wealth of knowledge to help lead this important initiative.”

Shaun joins RHA after over a decade with The Mentor Network, as a Senior Executive Director in their M&A Department. During that time, Shaun led over 25 transactions representing approximately $300 million in revenue. Prior to that he worked in public accounting for approximately eight years; most recently as a Manager at KPMG, LLP in their Deal Advisory Group. Shaun holds both a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bentley University in Waltham, MA. Additionally, Shaun is a licensed CPA in the State of Massachusetts.

“I’m excited to be a part of this vibrant and experienced leadership team. I look forward to contributing my array of experience to take this well-recognized organization to the next level, while preserving the organizational culture,” says Shaun.

David and Shaun are working together to implement a Business Development framework to serve as the foundation to achieve the Company’s long-term strategic initiatives.

On a personal level, Shaun says he has followed in his parents’ footsteps. “My father was in accounting, and my mother served as a nurse for over 40 years,” says Shaun. “Joining RHA is both enriching and rewarding to me, as I hope to do my part to help positively impact and improve people’s lives.”

Shaun grew up in the Boston, MA area, and is an avid sports fan. He will split his time between Boston, Atlanta and North Carolina.