Chester County renames department

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Chester County has renamed the Department
of Mental Health/Mental Retardation/Early Intervention to the Department of
Mental Health/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, or MHIDD.

The Chester County Commissioners
approved the name change following a formal request from department
administrator Gary Entrekin, and the name change takes effect immediately.

“The MHIDD department is guided by
compassion, respect and a commitment to the community,” said Commissioner Chair
Carol Aichele. “The new name is respectful and reflects the preferred thinking
in the fields of intellectual disabilities and early intervention, for children
with developmental delays aged birth to three.”

“While it may seem an insignificant
issue to some, the self-advocates with intellectual disabilities have made it
clear they do not want the word ‘retardation’ used as a label any longer
because of all the negative stereotypes associated with it,” added Commissioner
Terence Farrell.  “This news is welcomed by all of the providers and
agencies that work with the MHIDD department, as well as department staff.”

Commissioner Kathi Cozzone said: 
“Chester County is one of a few counties that have taken the lead on this and
Gary Entrekin and his team are to be commended for their desire to make this
name change a reality.  They recognized that this simple step would mean a
great deal to the consumers they serve.  This is the absolute right thing
to do and I am hopeful that other counties will do the same.”

The Chester County Department of Mental
Health/Mental Retardation was established in 1967 and the department currently
serves more than 4,600 Chester County residents a year.

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