RIDGWAY — Dickinson Center Inc. is celebrating its 60th anniversary as a leader in the provision of behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disabilities and children’s prevention services in rural northwestern Pennsylvania.
Formed in 1958 as the Ridgway Area Psychiatric Center, the name was changed in 1982 to honor founder Dr. Robert J. Dickinson, a psychiatrist. Dickinson Center now has locations in Ridgway, St. Marys, Coudersport and Bradford with nearly 200 employees operating in Elk, Cameron, Potter, McKean, Forest, Warren, Jefferson and Clearfield counties.
Dr. William Conrad, a member of the Dickinson Center and the Journey Health boards, reflected on his long-term relationship with Dickinson Center’s leaders and Dr. Robert Dickinson. Conrad described Dickinson as well-respected and an asset to his profession. Dickinson could be credited with launching one of the first outpatient behavioral health facilities in Pennsylvania.
“I think Dr. Dickinson would be amazed and pleased with the organization that he would see today,” said Conrad. “Dickinson Center reached heights that he probably didn’t expect, and it’s truly become an asset to the community over the past 60 years.”
As part of this milestone event, Elk County commissioners Janis Kemmer and Matthew Quesenberry Sr. presented a 60th anniversary proclamation to Dickinson Center’s executive director, Heidi Thomas, during their meeting Tuesday in Ridgway.
Quesenberry provided a brief history of the organization before congratulating Dickinson’s representatives for 60 years of serving the behavioral health needs of the county and the region.
In addition, an employee picnic and staff appreciation week will mark the celebration.
Dickinson Center is accredited under the Standards for Excellence Program by the Pennsylvania Association of Non-profit Organizations (PANO). The Standards for Excellence is a national initiative established to promote standards of ethics, effectiveness and accountability in nonprofit governance, management and operations.
Thomas lauded the company’s past CEO, John Yates, for his leadership and for being instrumental in the growth of the organization during his 39 years at Dickinson Center.
“Our motto of ‘Compassion, Excellence, Hope, since 1958’ reflects our values and ongoing commitment to service excellence,” Thomas said. “We’re committed to many more years of caring for the community as we continue to put our consumers first, respect and care for our staff, and operate with integrity.”
In response to the future needs of the community, Dickinson Center will launch a capital campaign to purchase land and build a 10,000-square foot outpatient treatment facility in St. Marys. To make a donation to support this project, call 776-2145.
For more information about Dickinson Center Inc., an affiliate of Journey Health System, visit www.dickinsoncenter.org.
