Wilson J. Washington, Jr., PhD, CPM, COR-III

Dr. Washington serves as a senior Public Health Advisor (PHA) and Subject Matter Expert (SME) within the Office of Performance, Analysis, and Management (OPAM), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). He exemplifies the qualities of a true innovator and leader in the fields of behavioral healthcare and Health Information Technology (HIT).  His accomplishments reflect a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to driving meaningful change that address the complex needs of individuals seek mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Since 2011, Dr. Washington has led a transformative $61 million initiative aimed at enhancing behavioral healthcare services across Community Mental Health Centers and Addiction Treatment Facilities in 24 states and U.S. Territories. This initiative stands as a testament to his visionary approach, expanding access to critical mental health services for vulnerable populations. By focusing on both access and quality of care, he has significantly improved the landscape of behavioral health, demonstrating his deep understanding of the intricacies involved in mental health and addiction treatment.

Dr. Washington's role as a subject matter expert for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) further showcases his innovative spirit. By contributing to the development of smart applications and technology innovations, he has effectively bridged the gap between behavioral health and technology. This ability to integrate cutting-edge solutions into clinical practice not only enhances patient care but also sets a precedent for future advancements in the field.

His recognition as a recipient of the 2023 Honorary Award, Fabulous Partner Award, from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, underscores his impactful work on the Behavioral Health Information Technology (BHIT) Initiative Team. In this capacity, he has worked collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to promote the adoption of technology in behavioral health services. His efforts have driven the conversation forward, advocating for innovative solutions that resonate with the needs of practitioners and patients alike.

Currently, Dr. Washington's involvement with the HL7 Work Group highlights his commitment to fostering collaboration among federal, state, and private industry partners. By reviewing critical use cases and developing strategies that leverage HL7 standards, he ensures that the voices of behavioral health professionals are integral to the development of healthcare standards. This collaborative approach not only drives change but also empowers practitioners to engage in the ongoing evolution of healthcare delivery. Additionally, his key participation in the joint development efforts of the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) further solidifies his role as a change agent. By providing invaluable insights that inform the emerging behavioral health dataset in USCDI+, he ensures that data initiatives reflect the current challenges faced by practitioners. This commitment to aligning data initiatives with real-world needs demonstrates his dedication to making a tangible difference in the field.

Dr. Washington earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health with honors from Walden University, Master of Science from the Naval Postgraduate School, Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Mississippi, and an Associate of Science in Computer Science from the University of South Carolina.  He is a Certified Public Manager from Rutgers University and the American Academy of Public Managers (AACPM), Askew Award winner for Capstone Research on Reducing Overdose Fatalities from Rutgers University and a Certified Contracting Officer Representative, FAC-COR Level 3 with the Defense Acquisition University.