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David Ayers

Criminal Justice Program Manager, Behavioral Health and Justice Division, Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services

About David Ayers

David Ayers has worked at the intersection of the behavioral health and criminal justice systems since 2008. In his 6th year as the Criminal Justice Program Manager for the Behavioral Health and Justice Division (BHJD) of the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS), David manages programming focusing on individuals with Serious Mental Illness and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders who are also involved in the criminal justice system. His specific focus is on programming to serve individuals on the front end of the justice system involvement, from early police contact, diversion and specialty problem solving courts. Previously, David worked for the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office as Mental Health Coordinator, where he assisted that office with criminal cases where behavioral health issues were present. Among other accomplishments, David was involved in the design and implementation of the First Judicial District Mental Health Felony Reentry Court, and has been a DBHIDS representative and work group co-chair for the MacArthur Safety and Justice Challenge since 2015.