HSCSN Appoints New Chief Medical Officer and VP of Medical Affairs

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Health Services for Children with Special Needs, Inc. (HSCSN), the District of Columbia's leader in care coordination for children and young adults with disabilities, announced today that Dr. Rhonique Harris will become the organization's new Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Medical Affairs. Dr. Harris, a well-known area physician executive who has been at Children's National Medical Center for the last decade, will begin her work with HSCSN effective August 5, 2013.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130521/PH18010 )

Dr. Harris is joining an organization that is expanding its capabilities and impact. The District of Columbia was a national forerunner in establishing the care coordination program for individuals with disabilities in 1996, and HSCSN now has one of the longest continuous data sets for these members in the country.  With the addition of Dr. Harris, HSCSN looks to extend its mission even further in tackling issues that include social determinants of health and adult transition.

"HSCSN is fortunate to have a physician leader of Dr. Harris' caliber to lend her abundant energy and passion to our population and mission," said Dr. Thomas Chapman, President & CEO of the HSC Health Care System, the parent organization for HSCSN.  "Her commitment to families and the community, along with her proven management expertise across a range of senior care delivery roles, make Dr. Harris an excellent fit for our organization."

Throughout her career, Dr. Harris has distinguished herself in community health care and family total health. She has made her mark across the region by being deeply engaged with numerous health care initiatives and boards. Most recently, she has been Medical Director of the Children's Mobile Health Program and Children's Health Center at the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Center (THEARC), located in the District's Ward 8. She has also held senior positions at the Children's National Medical Center, including Executive Director of Public Sector Partnerships for the Children's Child Health Advocacy Institute. In addition, Dr. Harris served as Medical Director for the District of Columbia Kids Integrated System (DCKIDS) program which provided care management and a medical home for children in and out of home foster care.

Dr. Harris is the current chair of the D.C. Primary Care Association board, having been a board member since 2005, and has memberships on numerous other community organizations. Certified in general pediatrics, she holds a medical license in Washington, D.C. and Maryland, and in her spare time teaches Zumba Fitness and is an avid runner.

"I am delighted and eager to continue my life's work serving individuals and families dealing with disabilities. HSCSN pursues a total health approach promoting greater independence that I believe is the best means to make a lasting difference for the community," said Dr. Harris.

About HSCSN

Health Services for Children with Special Needs, Inc. (HSCSN) is a care coordination plan serving the District of Columbia through the CASSIP contract for the pediatric Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and SSI-eligible populations of Washington, DC. under the Medicaid program. HSCSN is a member of the HSC Health Care System, a nonprofit, integrated health care system committed to serving and empowering individuals with disabilities and complex health care needs. HSC Health Care System is comprised of the plan, a pediatric specialty hospital, home care agency, consulting company and youth transitions center.

Contact:
Jessie MacKinnon
[email protected]
202-454-1266

SOURCE Health Services for Children with Special Needs, Inc.