Fil-Am Educator Elected to Behavioral Health Board of Trustees of Michigan’s Biggest Health System

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Fil-Am Educator Elected to Behavioral Health Board of Trustees of Michigan’s Biggest Health System

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Written by Bobby M. Reyes

Thursday, 24 December 2009 08:53

Dateline Los Angeles, California, Dec. 24, 2009

W illie DeChavez of Sterling Heights, Michigan, and the Bacon District of Sorsogon City, Philippines, has been elected as the first Filipino-American member of the Behavioral Health Board of Trustees of the Henry Ford Health System (HFHS).

Mr. DeChavez was named by this website an outstanding Filipino-American educator, as per this article, Willie Dechavez Wins the First-ever “BalikTeacher” Award

Willie DeChavez is a resource teacher in the Detroit’s public-school system. Mr. Dechavez is a very-active community leader. He is also the state chair for Michigan of the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NaFFAA).

He was also instrumental in forging sister-city ties between the Cities of Sorsogon and Sterling Heights of Michigan. More details of the sister-cityhood are found in this link,

Sorsogon and Sterling Heights (Michigan) Become Sister Cities

The Henry Ford Health System is the biggest health organization in the Great State of Michigan. Its System Board approved the nomination of Mr. DeChavez last Friday, Dec. 18, 2009. According to Engr. Ed Navarra, the NaFFAA regional chair for the Midwest, “Mr. DeChavez appointment as a member of the Behavioral Health Board of Trustees of the HFHS is probably the biggest Christmas gift that Michigan’s Filipino-American community has received this season.”

As a Board member, Mr. DeChavez gets to participate in the Board’s quarterly meetings, the Quality Expo and the Annual Trustee Caucus.

Sharon Walsh, chairperson of the HFHS Behavioral Health Board of Trustees, relayed the good news to Mr. DeChavez last Monday, December 21.

Next month Dr. Ed Coffey and Ms. Walsh will meet with Mr. DeChavez and share more information on the board and the goals for Behavioral Health. Both HFHS officials are looking forward to Mr. DeChavez’s contributions as the Board has challenging goals and exciting plans for the next few years.

Ms. Walsh thanked Mr. DeChavez for accepting the role of trustee. She said that she knows that he has many personal and professional commitments and she, along with all the trustees, appreciate his joining the Board and the Henry Ford Health System. She finally looks forward for an invitation after the New Year for a luncheon working meeting with Dr. Coffey and Mr. DeChavez. # # #

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Last Updated on Thursday, 24 December 2009 09:25

Comments (1)

Dear Willie,

WOW, Congratulations!! Your nomination and election to this prestigious Henry Ford Health System is an honor, and, the community will benefit from your services.

In my experience in serving with a mainstream National and International Foundation is "NOBODY IS GOING TO FILE A PROTEST IN YOUR ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES." LOL.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Your friend from the birthplace of America.

Ernie Gange
Philadelphia, PA
(First Filipino-American Member of the Board of Trustees of the Pearl S. Buck Foundation and a NaFFAA Cofounder)