Donald J. Hevey, Longtime Executive and Advocate for Expanding Access to Care, Dies at 78

Donald J. Hevey, a longtime voice for expanding access to behavioral healthcare services, died on Nov. 10 at the age of 78, according to an obituary published by the Palm Beach Post.

Hevey was a key figure in the development of not-for-profit Community Mental Health Centers by Florida’s Office of Mental Health, and he also provided guidance to other states. Hevey became the leader of a CMHC in 1975 when he was named CEO of Manatee Glens MHC in Bradenton, Florida. In 1981, he was appointed program director for the state’s Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Program.

In 1985, Hevey was among a group of CMHC directors who formed Mental Health Corporations of America, an organization devoted to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship in behavioral healthcare by enhancing leadership and strategic connections. Hevey was tapped as the organization’s first president and CEO, a position he held for 28 years. Early in his tenure with MHCA, Hevey was involved in the creation of the Mental Health Risk Retention Group, an initiative to provide insurance for members. Hevey retired from MHCA in 2013, at which time he moved on to Genoa Healthcare, a company that places pharmacies in behavioral healthcare facilities. Hevey served as community development director for Genoa until 2018.

In a post on its LinkedIn page, Genoa Healthcare remembered Hevey as “a true champion” for access to behavioral healthcare.

MHCA described Hevey as “a witty and trustworthy friend, and a true Southern gentleman.”

“Without Don, MHCA would not have become the association we know and love today,” the company wrote on LinkedIn. “He was committed to bringing together the best and the brightest in behavioral healthcare to work together for the benefit of all. His passion and can-do attitude have left a lasting legacy.”