Womazetta Jones Stepping Down as RI Health & Human Services Secretary
GoLocalProv News Team
Womazetta Jones Stepping Down as RI Health & Human Services Secretary
“Secretary Jones’ tenure leading the Executive Office of Health and Human Services has been defined not only by her experience and thoughtful leadership, but also by her passion and advocacy for the communities she serves,” said McKee. “Throughout the first year of my Administration, Secretary Jones stepped up whenever we needed her, particularly as we took bold action to begin addressing longstanding issues at Eleanor Slater Hospital. She has been key in driving our progress on many other initiatives, including supporting an equitable COVID-19 response. Secretary Jones prioritized leading with equity and it has been a privilege to have her on our team. We all look forward to seeing what she achieves next.”
“I want to thank Governor McKee for his leadership. The Governor and his Administration have been a tremendous support to EOHHS and our work,” said Jones. “It was an honor to lead EOHHS, and the health and human services agencies under our umbrella, using our three guiding principles – choice, race equity and community engagement. Within the first six months of my arrival to Rhode Island, the COVID-19 pandemic began and my focus over the last year and a half has been keeping the government running and ensuring that our communities are safe. While there has been positive transformation in our state’s healthcare, behavioral healthcare, and social service systems that underpin the health and well-being of every resident in Rhode Island, more work is needed. I would have loved to continue serving as EOHHS Secretary, to see these transformations through, but I have family needs that require me to return home to Chicago.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIn January, EOHHS issued monetary fines and a Corrective Action Plan against Medical Transportation Management (MTM) – the non-emergency medical transportation broker for the state – stemming from a fatal accident that occurred on November 27.
After an audit of the company’s policies and documentation, EOHHS announced it was imposing monetary damages, totaling $600,000, for MTM’s failure to comply with contract requirements to ensure member safety.
“This fatal accident involved a series of very severe violations of law and breaches of the standard of care we expect when MTM’s providers transport members to medical appointments,” said Jones. “The Rhode Islanders who rely on this essential transportation service deserve nothing less than safe, high-quality care every time these use this service.”
Following the fine, MTM continued to fail to provide for paid contractual services to Rhode Islanders, as GoLocal reported in February.
Jones' last day of state service will be May 1 – an interim will be named by that date.
About Jones
According to the state website:
Womazetta Jones, MA serves as the Secretary of Rhode Island’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), bringing almost 30 years of human services experience to the role. Among her immediate objectives are to lead Rhode Island’s ongoing transition to a health and human service network that examines an individual’s health needs on a holistic basis.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement administration and political science from Western Illinois University, Womazetta later went on to receive her Master of Arts degree in psychology, counseling and guidance from Chicago State University.
In her previous role, Womazetta served as the director of social services for Ramsey County, MN, which provides protection and support services for children and adults, including services around disabilities, mental health, substance abuse disorders, child protection, foster care and child care licensing, and adoptions. Here, she strived to help eliminate the stigma of mental health challenges facing communities of color and the area’s Native American populations.
Womazetta began her career as a child welfare specialist at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services in 1991, eventually being promoted to Deputy Bureau Chief. Here, Womazetta was responsible for child protection practices throughout Illinois.
Womazetta credits her upbringing with providing her with such a giving spirit. Growing up on Chicago’s South Side, she spent time with her grandmother, who would prepare meals and deliver them, along with donated clothing, to area families in need—all on her own. It’s because of this dedication to the community, Womazetta says, that her desire to help society’s most vulnerable, and often invisible, populations burns so bright.