Since 2011, Dr. Jean Bennett has served as the Philadelphia-based Regional Administrator for SAMHSA Region 3, which includes PA, DE, MD, DC, VA, WV. In her current role, Jean leads stakeholder requested regional initiatives that span the behavioral health continuum and address the needs of the most vulnerable special populations. Equitable care, workforce and 988 are among the most pressing current regional priorities. Access to medications and treatment, the needs of pregnant and parenting families, suicide prevention, harm reduction, and peers are among the priorities and frequently requested topics for regional learning collaboratives.
After retiring as a Navy Nurse Corps Captain, Dr. Bennett spent 10 years in public health emergency preparedness and response with HHS, the V.A., and Children’s Hospital Boston. Jean also served as the Senior Advisor to the HHS Assistant Secretary for Administration. Dr. Bennett has earned four degrees including a PhD in organization and management, and has co-authored recent journal articles entitled “The Federal Response to the Opioid Crisis,” and “Integrating Evidence-Based Guidelines on Pain and Opioids into Medical School Education.”