Aspire welcomes back leader in behavior healthcare

Dr. Jerry Sheward, a psychiatrist and veteran leader in behavioral healthcare in Indiana, has rejoined Aspire Indiana Health as Associate Medical Director of Behavioral Health. He provides oversight of behavioral health teams and practices in Anderson and in group home settings.

Sheward

Sheward previously served with Aspire for 26 years in various roles, departing in 2016 as Vice President and Chief Medical Officer to accept a new position with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. As Chief Medical Officer overseeing the state’s psychiatric hospitals, he worked to integrate the new NeuroDiagnostic Institute into the state-operated facility network.

“The creation of the NeuroDiagnostic Institute is certainly one of the highpoints of my career,” Sheward said. “Working with architects, construction companies and experts from all of the state psychiatric hospitals was an opportunity to create a first-class facility for the treatment of Hoosiers with serious mental illnesses.”

He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Wabash College and his M.D. from Indiana University School of Medicine, serving his psychiatric residency at Indiana University Medical Center. Sheward is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry.

“There are several projects here at Aspire where my prior experiences might come in handy, and I believe in the concept of integrating behavioral healthcare into healthcare,” Sheward said. “We were working on the beginnings of this transformation before I left, but the executive team has taken great strides in creating the Aspire I see today.”

About Aspire

Aspire Indiana Health is a fully integrated nonprofit health system serving Central Indiana that addresses behavioral health, primary medical care, substance use disorders, infectious diseases, deaf services, veteran programs, abused/neglected children and social determinants of health such as housing and employment. Aspire is supported by a strong network of community organizations, state/federal entities and generous benefactors. Those interested in partnering with Aspire in making health and well-being a reality in Central Indiana are encouraged send an email to info@aspireindi​ana.org.