NORRISTOWN, PA — Gaudenzia, Inc., one of the nation’s most extensive nonprofit providers of treatment for substance use disorder (SUD), ushers in a historic era with Dr. Deja Gilbert taking the reins as its first female president and chief executive officer. This recent appointment comes at a critical juncture when the scourge of SUD is claiming an unprecedented number of lives and family units.
Dr. Gilbert steps into her new role prepared to guide the multi-state agency that encompasses over 1,200 healthcare professionals treating an excess of 15,000 clients annually. The need for Gaudenzia’s vital services has never been more apparent, with the nation mired in a public health crisis of addiction and fatal drug overdoses at record highs.
As she assumes leadership, Dr. Gilbert prioritizes a focused commitment to long-term recovery for those struggling with addiction, regardless of their circumstances. “I’m excited to join an organization that is laser-focused on its mission of promoting long-term recovery, regardless of individual circumstances,” she asserted. “Gaudenzia has been a transformative organization dedicated to meeting the needs of those we serve for over half a century, and I’m honored to build upon that legacy with our expert staff to help save more lives.”
Dr. Gilbert’s appointment comes after an exhaustive national search by Gaudenzia, Inc. and the Gaudenzia Foundation’s board of directors. With her career steeped in senior-level expertise in behavioral healthcare, she brings a patient-centered, data-driven focus to her leadership role. A proven track record in building infrastructure, expanding treatment services, prioritizing client care, and fostering staff development and retention positions her to succeed Dr. Dale Klatzker, who announced his retirement last fall.
Dr. Gilbert steps into this pivotal role at a time when over 40 million Americans were affected by an SUD in 2020, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Amidst this public health crisis, Gaudenzia, with its facilities in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, D.C, has stood resilient, even expanding its services and witnessing a 12% increase in admissions in the year ending June 30.
According to Maureen Brennan-Miller, chairperson of the Gaudenzia, Inc. Board of Directors, “Dr. Gilbert is a respected executive and thought leader in the substance use disorder treatment and behavioral health field. She brings a proven record of innovation and success that will be critical as Gaudenzia continues to transform to meet the ever-evolving and changing needs of our clients.”
Dr. Gilbert is expected to oversee Gaudenzia’s 50 facilities that operate over 100 programs, offering a comprehensive continuum of care for individuals facing addiction and mental health disorders.
Having led Harmony Health Group from 2021 to 2023 as its CEO, overseeing facilities across multiple states, Dr. Gilbert has left a legacy of care and dedication. Now, as she joins Gaudenzia, she brings the same passion that has fueled her career, working tirelessly to provide individuals with the tools and hope they need to reclaim their lives from the grip of addiction. “This is the same passion that drives Gaudenzia in the work they do each and every day. I’m excited to lead the organization to continued growth in reach and scope with the evidence-based compassionate care that clients deserve,” Dr. Gilbert stated.
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