Easter Seals' President and Chief Executive Officer James E. Williams, Jr. Elected to the National Alliance for Hispanic Health Board of Directors

CHICAGO, April 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Easter Seals announces the election of James E. Williams, Jr., president and chief executive officer, Easter Seals, to serve on the Board of Directors for the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (NAHH).

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Easter Seals and the NAHH work side by side in both the policy world and in local Hispanic communities, providing services for those in need to help people reach their greatest level of health and independence.

"I have long admired the work of the Alliance and of its chief executive officer, Dr. Jane Delgado," said Williams. "I am delighted to be joining the board of an organization that has helped improve and strengthen the health of Hispanic communities."

Since Easter Seals became a member of the NAHH in 2004, the two organizations have collaborated on shared concerns surrounding health care and educating people on the importance of early intervention and diagnosis of individuals with autism and other disabilities. The partnership will continue to engage Hispanic communities and help them gain access to critical services, with the NAHH overseeing the cultural proficiency of training and translating of materials.

"I am eager to work with the other members as we advance the goals of the Alliance and seek improved health care for all Americans," said Williams. "Going forward, we hope to see increased comfort with access to services so more Hispanic families are comfortable getting the support, diagnoses and services they need."

Williams was appointed president and chief executive officer of Easter Seals in June 1990, shortly before the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. With more than 40 years of experience at Easter Seals, Williams has helped lead Easter Seals to become the nation's largest service provider for children and adults living with autism and other disabilities, with new program sites and service offerings for more than 1.3 million individuals. Additionally, Williams currently serves as Past Chairman of the National Health Council and is a member of the Board of Governors of the Institute for Philanthropy. Historically, he has also has served on the boards of the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, the JM Foundation Search for Excellence, the National Foundation for Dentistry for People with Disabilities, the Montessori School of Lake Forest and the Missouri Commission on Comprehensive Health Planning. He and his wife, Lorraine, are long-time residents of Lake Forest, Illinois, a community north of Chicago.

About National Alliance for Hispanic Health

The Alliance is the nation's foremost science-based source of information and trusted advocate for the health of Hispanics in the United States. The Alliance represents thousands of Hispanic health providers across the nation providing services to more than 15 million each year, making a daily difference in the lives of Hispanic communities and families. For more information, visit www.hispanichealth.org or call the Alliance's Su Familia Hispanic Family Health Helpline at 1-866-783-2645.

About Easter Seals

Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For more than 90 years, we have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play. Support children and adults with disabilities at www.easterseals.com.

SOURCE Easter Seals