Bloom Appointed ISTSS Ombudsperson

ISTSS

Sandra L. Bloom, MD, has been appointed ISTSS ombudsperson by the society’s president, Onno van der Hart, with board approval. The ombudsperson serves as an advocate for any person in a dispute within ISTSS; however, the ombudsperson also advocates for fair processes and the administration of the processes. When making recommendations, the ombudsperson has the responsibility to suggest actions or policies that will be equitable to all parties. The term for this position is one year.

An ISTSS past president (1997– 1998), Bloom is CEO of Community Works, a systems consulting firm. Currently she is involved in a number of projects to assist mental health and social service organizations in developing trauma-informed systems of care.

Says Bloom, “I am pleased that President van der Hart has chosen to activate the position of ombudsperson within the society’s structure and hope that this will encourage more members to become actively involved in giving voice to their concerns and interests.”