From Press Release
Highland Rivers Health announced the hire of Debbie Strotz, MPA, CARES, as director of operations and recovery services.
In this newly created position, Strotz will oversee the agency’s mental health, addictive disease and crisis treatment services, while emphasizing a person-centered recovery orientation across all agency services.
“Debbie Strotz is not only an expert in behavioral health, but has a very keen and personal understanding of how high-quality treatment can enhance an individual’s path to recovery - which is our goal for everyone who receives our services,” said Melanie Dallas, CEO of Highland Rivers Health. “With more than 30 years of professional experience, Debbie is also an out- standing manager and we are thrilled to have her join the Highland Rivers team.”
Strotz is well-known in Georgia among behavioral health providers at both the local and state level for her work in recovery transformation, integration of behavioral healthcare and primary care, and community-based services. She was a pioneer in assertive community treatment (ACT) in the state, and was a member of one of Georgia’s first ACT teams. In addition, Strotz was co-leader of a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) integration project webinar on peer workforce integration, and was a member of the Morehouse School of Medicine Satcher Health Leadership Institute Community of Practice for integrated healthcare.
“My message to anyone and everyone is that recovery is always possible, for any individual,” said Strotz, who openly identifies as an individual in long-term recovery. “With hope, choice and opportunity, individuals can live independent, fulfilling lives in recovery-oriented communities. That’s what we are working toward.”
Before joining Highland Rivers Health, Strotz worked as director of rehabilitation and recovery services at Cobb/Douglas Community Service Board in Smyrna. She has a Master of Public Administration in community service/ non- profit management from Kennesaw State University, and is a Georgia Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist (CARES).