Stephen Baron Recognized for 17 Years of Outstanding Service to Baltimore City

BALTIMORE, MD (February 27, 2006) Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein is recognizing Stephen Baron for his important contributions to Baltimore City as President of Baltimore Mental Health Systems (BHMS) for 17 years. Mr. Baron recently accepted the position of Director of the Department of Mental Health for the District of Columbia.

"Stephen Baron has been responsible for a wide range of innovative mental health services and programs in Baltimore City, " said Dr. Sharfstein. "What he has accomplished in Baltimore is considered a national model. We wish him all the best in his new challenge."

Beverly Hoffberg, the chair of the board of BMHS, stated, "Throughout his tenure, Steve's concern for the needs of Baltimore's vulnerable mentally ill citizens has led him to develop programs that are visionary, yet workable. We are very grateful for the legacy he leaves behind and wish him the best of luck in the future."

During 17 years at the helm of BMHS, Mr. Baron played a significant role in expanding school-based and early childhood mental health activities. He led the creation of the Behavioral Emergency Service Team (TEAM) in cooperation with the Baltimore City Police Department and played an instrumental role in the expansion of community based psychiatric services. He pioneered new approaches to housing for individuals with mental illness and new strategies to finance care across the spectrum of effective interventions.

BHMS is a not-for-profit corporation responsible for managing the Baltimore City public mental health system. The agency will conduct a national search to find Mr. Baron's successor.

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