Article Body
Department of Human Services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 22, 2009
CONTACT: Velda Bartel, 605-773-5990
SD HUMAN SERVICES CENTER ADMINISTRATOR TO PRESIDE OVER NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
PIERRE, SD - The administrator of the South DakotaHumanServicesCenter in Yankton, Cory D. Nelson, has been elected to the position of president of the Western Psychiatric State Hospital Association during its annual meeting in Yankton.
WPSHA is committed to ensuring that effective, state-of-the-art mental health treatment and rehabilitation services are provided to people served by publicly operated hospitals. The association serves as a model for regional collaboration by providing opportunities for continued education and leadership development of the executive management of state psychiatric hospitals. It also ensures participation in the national policy debate of issues relevant to public hospital services.
WPSHA provides association members with a forum for resources, sharing of expertise, and joint research to continuously improve services. WPSHA includes the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and South Dakota.
Nelson has been recognized within the western states for his innovation, as evidenced through the progressive approach to treatment and services provided for the state of South Dakota at the HumanServicesCenter.
As WPSHA President, Nelson will preside at all meetings of the association and the Board of Directors and will be a key contact for the organization. As the WPSHA spokesperson, Nelson will provide input on national policy development on such issues as standards of care, federal regulations, and the Joint Commission. He becomes the first officer elected to the organization from South Dakota and will serve a three-year term.
Nelson holds a Masters in Public Administration from the University of South Dakota, and has been employed by state government for 18years.
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