White Plains CitizeNetReporter - Jennifer Schaffer Moves Up to Commish of Mental Health. Friedman Retires.

WPCNR County Clarion-Ledger. From Westchester Department of Communications. August 15, 2002.:Deputy Commissioner Jennifer Schaffer will take over as head of the county’s community mental health department when Commissioner Steven Friedman retires on Aug. 26, County Executive Andy Spano announced today.

Schaffer, who has served as deputy commissioner for 12 years, said she is eager to take on her new responsibilities and hopes to see the department offer even more innovative treatment and rehabilitation programs in coming years.

“Under Steve Friedman’s leadership, Westchester County has established an extensive array of services for mentally ill, mentally retarded, developmentally disabled and chemically abusing persons,” Schaffer said. “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to continue to develop and work with this service system that is among the best anywhere in the country.”

Spano extended his congratulations to Schaffer as he expressed appreciation to Friedman for his efforts in creating a compassionate yet efficient department that shows how much can be accomplished with strong planning and determination.

“During his tenure, we were able to build a system of services that is helping people throughout the county lead a higher quality of life,” Spano said. “I can think of no one more qualified than Dr. Schaffer to take over that role and continue the progress that’s already well underway.”

Friedman said that when he first joined the Department of Community Mental Health in 1973, he never thought he would stay for 29 years. Serving as commissioner for the last fourteen years, he noted that the final years have been the best.

“Our system of services has grown, changed and adapted to the changing needs and expectations of Westchester’s residents,” he said. “The system understands its responsibility to first serve those most in need. I am very proud of what we have all accomplished through the cooperative efforts of county government, the offices of the state Department of Mental Hygiene, voluntary providers, families and consumers."

Friedman said he applauded Spano’s decision to have Schaffer take over as commissioner.

Schaffer, a Briarcliff Manor resident, has been deputy commissioner since 1990. She previously served as executive director of the Middletown Psychiatric Center and deputy director of a state Office of Mental Health regional office that included six state-run psychiatric centers. With a PhD in Applied Research in Psychology, she is also a clinical assistant professor of psychology at New York Medical College.

“Her vast experience with the Office of Mental Health, Middletown Psychiatric Center and as deputy commissioner of our department provide her with unique and tested skills,” Friedman said.

Westchester’s community mental health department has long been recognized for its innovative approaches to providing services. The department runs four state licensed outpatient clinics, helps homeless adults in the shelter system, operates alternative to incarceration programs and develops and coordinates programs and services for children, adolescents, adults and their families affected by alcohol and substance abuse, mental illness, mental retardation and developmental disabilities.


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