Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Director Janet Olszewski recently has named Dr. James Dillon director of the Office of Psychiatric and Medical Services. In his new position, Dillon oversees and supervises the provision of psychiatric services and medical care in all state hospitals and centers. In addition, Dillon will provide psychiatric, medical, and clinical direction for all mental health and developmental disabilities programs, care protocols and clinical services delivered directly by the department.

"Dr. Dillon brings to us almost 30 years of experience in the mental health and human services field," Olszewski said. "As director of the Office of Psychiatric and Medical Services, Dr. Dillon will bring new ideas and his office will continue to deliver the medical and mental health services with the care our citizens deserve."

Dillon has served most recently as the chief of clinical affairs for the Michigan Department of Corrections Mental Health Program. In addition, since February, he has served as the acting medical director at Mt. Pleasant Center. He holds a B.S. in zoology from the University of Michigan and an M.D. from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He has conducted numerous research projects that include suicide risk assessment in corrections, criminal histories of mentally ill prisoners, and behavior problems associated with obstructive sleep apnea in children.

Dillon began his career in state government as a residency training director for the Middletown Psychiatric Center in Middletown, New York in 1982. He held various positions at the University of Michigan Medical School and Medical Center including clinical assistant professor of psychiatry, attending physician and director of the Child Behavior (Disorders) Clinic, Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital. In 1999, he became administrator and chief of clinical affairs at the Huron Valley Center. He was later appointed chief of clinical affairs for the Corrections Mental Health Program. Dillon, 55, is a resident of Ann Arbor.