Episode #412 Bold Moves in Behavioral Health, With Dannette R. Smith, MSW
- Laura Hollabaugh
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- Jul 7
- 3 min read
On This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Huntley and Dannette R. Smith discuss the evolution of behavioral health services in Colorado, reflecting on personal and professional transitions, the importance of gratitude, and the challenges faced in public health. They emphasize the need for collective action and vulnerability in leadership to effectively serve communities, especially in times of change and uncertainty.
Meet Dannette Smith
Commissioner Dannette R. Smith is a visionary executive leader who has spent more than 25 years serving families, children, the aging population, and people experiencing homelessness. She’s led human services departments across the country, utilizing data-driven outcomes and engagement strategies, fostering staff development and community involvement, all with the goal of developing and maintaining innovative, stable, and effective programs. Most recently, Commissioner Smith served nearly five years as the Chief Executive Officer at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services where she supported five divisions: Behavioral Health, Children and Family Services, Developmental Disabilities, Medicaid & Long-Term Care, and Public Health.
During her tenure in Nebraska, Smith convened a statewide behavioral health task force; focused on opportunities to improve behavioral health services for adults and children, as well as initiated the exploration of Medicaid utilization as a payer for behavioral health services; and redesigned the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center system to include intensive clinical and therapeutic services in the juvenile justice system. While in Virginia Beach, she collaborated with the Sheriff’s Office to provide enhanced behavioral health services in the jail system and provided strategic oversight in the development of the “First Responders” initiative to provide behavioral health services in the community with the Virginia Beach Police Department as part of their service calls.
In all of her roles, Smith works to build and sustain partnerships and positive relationships to best serve the community. The 2023 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA), Commissioner Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Eastern Michigan University and a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois Chicago. She’s also completed the Kennedy School of Government, Child Welfare Executive Leadership Program at Harvard.
Listen To This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast
Conversation Highlights
Dannette R. Smith leads Colorado’s new Behavioral Health Administration, focusing on expanding equitable, community-based behavioral health services.
The BHA is implementing the “Colorado LIF” model to improve access, workforce, accountability, and affordability statewide.
Funding cuts pose challenges, requiring creative solutions, strategic partnerships, and efficient resource use.
Intentional pauses and self-reflection are vital for leadership clarity and well-being.
Commitment to serving uninsured and underinsured populations with proactive, preventive public health approaches.
Vulnerability in leadership fosters collaboration, invites diverse voices, and acknowledges uncertainty.
Maintaining hope and resilience is key amid rapid changes and organizational challenges.
“Pause doesn’t mean you’re not moving forward. It’s about taking a look at the landscape and seeing where you can have the most impact.” – Dannette R. Smith
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Public Health Consulting To Support You
DrCHHuntley LLC is a public health consulting firm that specializes in epidemiology consulting, supporting large nonprofit organizations in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida that serve Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). We also provide nationwide public health consulting and epidemiology consulting support to BIPOC organizations across the United States.
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