Patrone Appointed Corrections' Mental Health Advocate
HARRISBURG, Pa., May 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Corrections Acting Secretary John Wetzel, today, announced the appointment of Lynn Patrone as the head of the DOC's newly-created Office of Mental Health Advocate. In this capacity, Patrone reports directly to the secretary of corrections.
"We have made and continue to make significant improvements to our mental health services, and Lynn's appointment as our mental health advocate ensures that offenders are getting the treatment they should receive while in prison. Working independently from the DOC's Psychology Office, Lynn will ensure that offenders are connected with benefits upon their release from prison," Acting Secretary Wetzel said.
Wetzel said that Patrone's appointment will complement the already-existing checks and balances used in the DOC's mental health system.
"Lynn has a strong history of advocacy in this area," Wetzel said. "She also is a peer support specialist supervisor, is trained and in suicide prevention, and soon will be certified as a mental health first aid instructor. I can't think of a more-qualified individual to work closely with our Office of Psychology to ensure offenders with mental illness receive the treatment and benefits they deserve."
Patrone most recently served as executive assistant to the deputy secretary at the Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS).
Prior to her work at OMHSAS, Patrone, who earned master's degrees in health education from both York College and Penn State University, worked as program director for the PA Behavioral Health & Aging Coalition.
MEDIA CONTACT: Susan McNaughton, 717-728-4025
SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
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