Devereux President’s Blog

While everyday routines are beginning to return to normal, many people are still reeling from and contemplating the tragedy at Virginia Tech. People are shocked and saddened to know that violence of such horrific proportions could impact a college town in rural Virginia and leave an entire country mourning the loss.

I expect that each of us has taken time to think about how the events at Virginia Tech have affected us on a personal level. As a parent, I am reminded that children, at a very early age, reach a point where a parent can no longer shelter them from the potential threats of our modern world.

As the President and CEO of Devereux, I have reflected on the potential missed opportunities to have reached the 23 year-old student perpetrator, who was so severely disturbed, but not receiving the mental health attention he desperately needed. Perhaps we may have been able to avert this tragic outcome. Quality mental health services can have an enormous, positive impact on individuals who are living with mental illness, and allow them to lead meaningful and productive lives.

Our society has struggled to find the balance between protecting those suffering from mental illness and society at large from harm, while safeguarding the civil liberties of all individuals. While I do not have an easy answer, I do believe we need to be more proactive in ensuring early identification, rapid access and continuing mental health care for people who are coping with serious mental illness. In post-tragedy interviews, many students and faculty spoke of their concerns and even fears of this student, referencing his erratic, withdrawn and anti-social behavior.

As a society, we need to fight the stigma that is so often associated with mental illness. In fact, violent acts by persons with mental illness are rare. However, we clearly need to find better ways to support those who need help to take advantage of the resources available in our communities.

We can hope, that from this tragedy at Virginia Tech, will come a greater awareness of the importance of mental health services to our communities and a more effective balance of individual and community rights.

Click to enlarge Susan Smith, executive director of Devereux’s Kanner Center; Renay Oberholtzer, nurse manager of Devereux’s Kanner Center; and Bob Kreider, president & CEO

Recently, I had an opportunity to attend the 15th Annual Paradigm Award Luncheon, sponsored by the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. This award recognizes the outstanding female business woman from the Philadelphia area, honoring her personal and professional achievements. This year’s award recipient was Terry D’Alessandro, Market CEO for the Mid-Atlantic East Market of Sovereign Bank.

Devereux has been proud to be a sponsor of the Paradigm Luncheon for the past two years. Helena T. Devereux, a Philadelphia school teacher, epitomized this same spirit of leadership, vision, and tenacity when she started our organization in 1912. Ninety-five years later we remain a venerable Philadelphia institution.

While the luncheon itself offers a wonderful tribute to the accomplishments of the Paradigm Award recipient, there is also a focus on helping working women advance their careers. Each year the Philadelphia Chamber also awards scholarships to working women who are pursuing their bachelor’s degrees. During this year’s luncheon, we heard remarks from past recipients about how the scholarship changed their life.

One of this year’s recipients was Renay Oberholtzer, nurse manager at the Devereux Kanner Center. I was delighted to be among the crowd of 650 business people cheering for Renay as she and other women were recognized. Renay was awarded the maximum amount, a $5000 scholarship.

Honoring the achievements of a business leader like Terry and recognizing the dedication of folks like Renay seemed like a perfect reflection of the Devereux spirit and our founder Helena T. Devereux.

Devereux continues to be led by several strong women leaders. I salute the success of Devereux’s women leaders – past and present - and offer my heartfelt congratulations to Renay.