DHHS names new mental health director

The state Department of Health and Human Services has named a new mental health director following the death of the previous director in a bicycling accident last week.

Posted 3:02 p.m. Jul 13, 2012 — Updated 5:04 p.m. Jul 13, 2012

RALEIGH, N.C. — The state Department of Health and Human Services has named a new mental health director following the death of the previous director in a bicycling accident last week.

Jim Jarrard was named acting director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services on Friday. He has worked in the division for 19 years and had been deputy director since October 2010.

Former director Steve Jordan died on July 4 after being hit by a truck while riding his bicycle on Louisburg Road near the intersection with Perry Creek Road in northeast Raleigh. The truck driver was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and failure to reduce speed to avoid a collision.

“The department suffered a devastating loss with Steve’s death, and we will miss his energy and passion for mental health services and the people we serve,” DHHS Secretary Al Delia said in a statement. “Jim Jarrard is a knowledgeable and respected leader who I am confident will continue to lead the division in a positive direction.”

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