Dr. Sharronne Ward is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Grand Prairie Services.
Grand Prairie Services (GPS) is a not-for-profit healthcare provider with over 70 years of
experience providing Mental Healthcare services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors
residing in the thirty-two municipalities of Bloom, Bremen, Rich, and Thornton townships, and
suburban areas of Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Ward leads the primary not-for-profit Integrated
Healthcare provider serving adults, children and families residing in four South Cook County
townships. Dr. Ward has been employed by GPS for 35 years and has experience providing or
managing intensive community support services for those individuals that require higher levels
of care, as well as less intensive for those who are successfully learning to manage their illness.
In her role as CEO, Dr. Ward directs service delivery for those challenged with chronic
behavioral healthcare needs, and in need of community housing in an integrated care
environment. She participates in several state programs and advocacy groups which support
Mental Healthcare and access to social determinants of health such as housing opportunities for
the indigent and Supported Housing projects. Dr. Ward has a productive working relationship
with all community providers, and has a reputation built on a foundation of over thirty-seven
years of service delivery to those residing in low income and minority neighborhoods. Dr.
Ward’s expertise and value as a community provider and partner is demonstrated by her
commitment to ensuring access to care and commitment to increasing accountability and
transparency in the delivery of healthcare services. Dr Ward is an advocate of and in full
agreement that a process must be further developed and implemented that will unify processes
and reduce administrative burdens for healthcare providers to allow organizations to focus their
efforts on the provision of services to patients.
Dr. Ward has experience in Service Line Development such as the development and provision of
Integrated Healthcare for GPS. Such services include extensive medical and community support
services to manage all levels of healthcare needs. In an effort to ensure quality care for the
southland area, Dr. Ward expanded services to include the provision of Integrated Healthcare at
GPS’ Maurice Fitts Page Whole Health and Wellness Center (FQHC). Although previously a
traditional Community Mental health provider, GPS now provides primary care, psychiatric,
substance abuse, therapy and counseling, referral for dental, and specialized screenings for both
adults and children. Access to on-site pharmacy is also available. Dr. Ward is passionate about the work she does and is dedicated to the provision of Integrated
Healthcare services for individuals, families, and communities of the Southland region, with an
emphasis on recovery and optimal functioning.
Dr. Ward has developed and implemented numerous state and federally funded community
programs. Dr. Ward, serves as Co-Chairperson of the Community Emergency Support Services
Act (CESSA) Region 7 Advisory Committee which includes Cook and Will Counties. This new
legislation requires emergency response operators such as those at 911 centers, to refer calls
seeking mental and behavioral health support to a new service that can dispatch a team of mental
health professionals instead of police. Dr. Ward participates in numerous collaborations,
behavioral health committees, advocacy and professional groups which allow her the
opportunity to share and acquire new knowledge. Finally, Dr. Ward participates in quality
improvement efforts with organizations across the country.
Dr. Ward also collaborates with community agencies with the aim of creating a seamless system
of care for the homeless population’s most difficult to reach subgroup: those experiencing
symptoms of mental illness and medically indigent. Advocacy efforts include the availability of
support services as a key component of housing placement in collaboration with multi-region
agencies, and initiates service collaboration, designed to overcome obstacles which may
perpetuate a debilitating cycle of homelessness experienced by those who are managing
symptoms of mental illness and/or a chronic medical condition. One such effort is the
partnership with the local housing authority whereby Mental Health Coordinators are located on
site at the various housing locations.
Dr. Ward has extensive experience in the area of behavioral healthcare and counseling. Dr.
Ward’s clinical expertise also includes the development of curriculum-based study in the areas of
Counseling, Grief support, Pastoral Counseling and service delivery to those learning to manage
chronic behavioral healthcare needs. Dr. Ward also has extensive experience in the development
and implementation of counseling curricula and training.
Dr. Ward actively mentors other professionals and students in the completion of advanced
education. She has earned several certificates and has been recognized by her peers for her work
and dedication to the community: The Keeper of the Dream Award, The Outstanding
Community Services Award, and the Outstanding Female in Leadership Award, to name a few.
Dr. Ward achieved the following: Bachelor of Science degree, Southern Illinois University in
Administration of Justice; Master of Science degree, DePaul University in Management of
Rehabilitation Facilities; Master of Arts degree in Religion, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School;
Doctor of Education degree, Argosy University in Counseling. Dr. Ward is licensed as a Clinical
Professional Counselor by the State of Illinois.
Dr. Sharronne Ward is honored to be selected as a member of the CHHS Advisory Board. The opportunity affords me the opportunity to assist in the development of programs and services required for the provision of Integrated Healthcare services for individuals, families, and communities of the Southland region, with an emphasis on recovery and optimal functioning necessary for individuals and families to live, learn, work and thrive in their communities.