Aspire’s Demetrius Dillard Named Indiana Council Advocate of the Year
NOBLESVILLE, Ind. (May 15, 2024) -- Aspire Indiana Health Senior Director of Information Systems and Technology Demetrius Dillard has been named CMHC Advocate of the Year by the Indiana Council of Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC).
This award recognizes an individual who has championed the advancement of CMHC’s mission to deliver high-quality, culturally competent, comprehensive primary care services regardless of patients’ ability to pay. They have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to supporting the growth of the CMHC through education, partnership or service.
According to the Indiana Council, Demetrius Dillard has been named CMHC Advocate of the Year for his tireless advocacy efforts on behalf of CMHCs in Indiana. His passion for data and technology within Aspire and CMHC’s has been instrumental in leading an effort for a systemwide data integration product and process.
“When the Indiana Council asked for a person to coordinate and lead an effort for a systemwide data integration product and process, Demetrius volunteered without hesitation,” said Aspire Information Officer Jim Skeel.
“He provided expertise and guidance to Zoe (Frantz, Indiana Council President and CEO), the State team and the Council team in their conceptualization and understanding of the capabilities and possibilities in this arena. In step with the Council’s and State’s ‘build the plane while you fly it!’ approach to implement this portion of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) transformation, Demetrius was a strong advocate for the involvement of all CMHC’s and helped set up a framework for the collection and meaningful use of CCBHC data.”
“I appreciate how Demetrius is constantly looking at his team internally — how they can grow and keep learning,” said Aspire Indiana Health Culture Officer Dr. Gina Forrest. “He keeps up with trends in the workforce from his lens, and that helps us in HR to know what he might be looking for when he needs to add to his team. Also, he is proactive in anticipating what our needs are across the organization.”
The Indiana Council of Community Mental Health Centers is dedicated to advocating for and supporting the provision of quality mental health and substance use services for all Hoosiers. Comprising of CMHC’s across the state, the Council works collaboratively with government entities and stakeholders to ensure accessible and effective mental health care.
