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11-23-2024 12:50am
Importance of Mental Health is Highlighted with MA Sheriff's Association Selection of Employee of the Year
Darlene Cancell
Editor
Thanks to the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office for contributing this news to Westwood Minute.
Dedham, MA – Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott is proud to announce that Anne Collins, the director of mental health at the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office is a 2024 Employee of the Year, presented by the Massachusetts Sheriff’s Association.
“Anne Collins is a true superstar, and a critical part of our agency’s success,” said Sheriff McDermott. “Anne goes above and beyond every day to ensure those in need of mental health services receive exceptional care. Her exemplary work ethic is felt by not only those in our custody, but each individual working at the sheriff’s office.”
Collins was presented with the award on Tuesday at the Annual Law Enforcement and Corrections Awards Ceremony in the Great Hall at the Massachusetts State House. The MSA ceremony recognized the extraordinary contributions of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to the communities they serve across the Commonwealth.
Collins was named director of mental health at the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office in 2020. She previously worked as a mental health clinician for the Department of Correction at MCI Cedar Junction, working with all individuals entering the DOC system to diagnose and treat the mentally ill population. Collins has extensive experience working in the community as an inpatient clinician, partial hospitalization clinician and individual therapist in a private agency.
“Of all of these professional experiences, working with the justice-involved population has been the most rewarding, and is the population I choose to dedicate my career,” says Collins. “One of the most rewarding aspects of this role is gaining trust and building rapport with those who are resistant to working with mental health, and changing the way they view engaging in mental health treatment.”
Collins is a leading voice in the multi-disciplinary team at the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office, ensuring that our security teams have the information necessary for specific patient needs, which provides for a safe environment for patients and staff.
“One of the things I like most about the environment is the pace and challenge of working to stabilize those in our care and supporting them through the justice process,” said Collins. “Thank you for this award. It is huge honor, and puts an important highlight on the importance of mental health treatment in the correctional setting.”
Collins’ extensive knowledge of both ACA and NCCHC standards has ensured the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office meets and even exceeds expected levels of care. Her work and expertise has played a significant role in helping the agency receive perfect scores on ACA and NCCHC audits.
Anne hold Certifications as a Certified Correctional Health Professional – Mental Health and as a Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor.
When not at work Collins loves to be outdoors, hiking, running, kayaking, spending time with her family, reading and going to concerts. Collins recently completed the Boston 10K for Women and her first Spartan Race at Fenway Park.
