The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced that Eric Tadehara will be the new director of the Office of Substance Use and Mental Health. He has been serving as the interim director since September.
Eric Yoshio Jesús Tadehara has worked for the Utah Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health since 2013 in various roles across substance use, prevention, and children’s mental health. Most recently, Eric served as the assistant director over Substance Use Treatment and Prevention Services and Suicide Prevention Services.
“I am thrilled to welcome Eric as the new director to the Office of Substance Use and Mental Health,” said DHHS Executive Director Tracy Gruber. “This is a critical time for behavioral health in Utah, and I have full confidence that his experience and leadership will be instrumental in advancing our mission of ensuring every Utahn has the opportunity to live a safe and healthy life.”
Tadehara will also serve as a crucial liaison and strategic partner to the Utah Behavioral Health Commission. While the Commission maintains its independence to provide objective recommendations on policy and legislation, Tadehara will be the primary point of connection between the Department’s operational efforts and the Commission’s statewide coordination mandate. This relationship is designed to ensure that the Department’s programs are aligned with the comprehensive, high-quality, and effective behavioral health system the Commission is tasked with fostering.
Tadehara has worked in the field of social work since 2008. Eric is also an adjunct professor at Weber State University and teaches Bachelor’s and Master’s level social work classes. He received his Bachelor of Social Work from Weber State University and his Master of Social Work and Master of Public Administration from the University of Utah.