Bonk Has Served as DMH Emergency/Disaster Response Coordinator since 2023; Prior Experience Includes Postings at Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Services, Endeavor Health Services, Crisis Services
ERIE COUNTY, NY— Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz today announced his appointment of Sarah A. Bonk, LMSW, to the position of Commissioner of Mental Health for Erie County. Bonk, who had been serving as Emergency/Disaster Response Coordinator for the department since October 2023, has also served Erie County as a Special Assistant in the Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Services (2022-2023) and served in numerous roles at Endeavor Health Services and Crisis Services prior to that.
“The Department of Mental Health is on the front lines of protecting the mental health and well-being of Erie County residents, working with related agencies and organizations to ensure that people who need critical help are able to get it, whatever their age, their situation, and whatever the hour,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Sarah has significant experience in crisis management and response and has provided leadership and support as part of a team handling difficult situations. We have been fortunate to have her working with us in the county since early 2022 and I look forward to her bringing her skill set to the role of Commissioner of Mental Health.”
Bonk holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in addition to being a licensed Master of Social Work. She is currently enrolled in a Doctoral degree program in Education at Indiana University, with completion expected in 2026. Some of her additional Trainings and Certifications include family Assistance Center (2024), Continuity of Operations Planning (2024), Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (2024), and Fundamentals of Disaster Mental Health Practice (2018). Bonk replaces the retired Mark O’Brien as Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health.
For more information:
On the Erie County Department of Mental Health, visit https://www3.erie.gov/mentalhealth/
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