O’Hara Celebrates 30 Years at WIHD

From the Westchester Institute for Human Development: The Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD) recently honored Chief Operating Officer David O’Hara for his 30-year tenure at the organization. Dr. Susan Fox, President & CEO of WIHD, presented him with a longevity award at a reception held February 6.

Dr. O’Hara joined WIHD in 1987 and had served in a variety of capacities over his 30-year tenure, touching every person and program within the organization. “David’s work in health disparities for people with developmental disabilities, children in foster care and health care technology has not only benefited WIHD but has gained him national and international renown,” said Dr. Fox. “David leads with his heart and deep commitment to the people we serve and we are truly honored to have him here at WIHD.”

Dr. O’Hara has a longstanding interest in the health care needs of children in foster care and was a member of a special task force created by the American Academy of Pediatrics, District II, New York State, which authored a nationally adopted set of standards for health care providers for children in foster care, Fostering Health: Health Care for Children in Foster Care. He has served as a consultant to the Government of Dubai assisting with the planning for the creation of a Center of Excellence for Individuals with Disabilities. Currently, Dr. O’Hara conducts research on the health disparities of individuals with intellectual disabilities and the potential of new smart assistive technologies to create better access to more effective health care and improved outcomes. A resident of Pleasantville, Dr. O’Hara is actively working to develop accessible models of health education to create functional health literacy for individuals with intellectual disabilities and accessible self-report surveys on patient satisfaction with their health care experience.

“I’m grateful to have built my career here at WIHD,” said Dr. O’Hara. “I’m surrounded by incredible colleagues who are committed to serving people with disabilities and vulnerable children. Together we will continue to serve this important population.”

Photo courtesy of the Westchester Institute for Human Development