Spotlight for the Week Ohio: Tracy Plouck

This week, we shine a spotlight on Tracy Plouck, a dedicated advocate for child safeguarding and mental health in Ohio. With a career spanning over two decades in public service, Plouck has made significant strides in improving mental health services and addressing the unmet needs of Ohio’s population, particularly its children and adolescents.

Leadership in Mental Health and Addiction Services

From 2011 to 2018, Tracy Plouck served as the Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS). During her tenure, she implemented numerous policies and programs aimed at protecting and supporting the mental health of children and adolescents. Plouck’s leadership was marked by her commitment to expanding access to mental health services, reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues, and enhancing the quality of care provided to Ohioans.

One of her notable achievements was her involvement in the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, where she served as President. This role allowed her to influence national mental health policies and advocate for better mental health services across the country. Additionally, as Vice Chair of the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center, Plouck worked on initiatives that intersected mental health and justice, striving to improve outcomes for individuals with mental health needs within the justice system.

Academic and Community Engagement

After her tenure at OhioMHAS, Tracy Plouck transitioned to academia, serving as Assistant Clinical Professor with Ohio University’s College of Health Sciences and Professions. In this role, she supported the Ohio Alliance for Population Health, a network of over fifty organizations dedicated to addressing population health challenges across Ohio. Plouck’s efforts included assisting local communities in building capacity through grant writing, training, workforce development planning, and project management.

Currently, as Dean, Plouck oversees two academic programs—public administration and environmental studies—managing more than $16 million in funding. Her work focuses on addressing the unmet needs of Ohio and its 32 Appalachian counties. This role allows her to continue her advocacy for mental health and child safeguarding by training the next generation of public health professionals and supporting community-based health initiatives.

Diverse Roles in State Government

Tracy Plouck’s extensive career in state government includes serving twice as Ohio’s Medicaid Director, where she played a crucial role in managing the state’s Medicaid program and ensuring that vulnerable populations, including children, received essential health services. Her leadership extended to roles as deputy director of both the Ohio Office of Budget and Management and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. These positions allowed her to influence budgetary decisions and policies that directly impacted the welfare and safety of children and families in Ohio.

Plouck has also served on the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) National Board of Directors, further demonstrating her commitment to improving mental health services and advocating for individuals with mental health conditions.

Educational Background

Tracy Plouck’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Kent State University and a Master of Public Administration from Ohio State University. Her academic achievements provided a strong foundation for her career in public service and her ongoing efforts to improve mental health services and child safeguarding in Ohio.

Conclusion

Tracy Plouck’s dedication to mental health and child safeguarding has had a profound impact on Ohio. Through her leadership roles in state government, academic contributions, and community engagement, she has tirelessly worked to ensure that children and adolescents receive the support and care they need. Her efforts continue to inspire and guide public health professionals and advocates, making a lasting difference in the lives of many Ohioans.

As we focus on safety and emergency preparedness this week, Tracy Plouck’s work serves as a reminder of the importance of comprehensive mental health services and the role they play in safeguarding our children and communities. Her legacy is a testament to the power of dedicated public service and the positive change it can bring.

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