The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement MHPSS Hub is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Harrison as its new Director. Sarah brings extensive expertise in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), strong professional qualifications, and a highly relevant academic background. She has been selected by the recruitment panel formed of Steering Committee members with full confidence as the right leader to guide the MHPSS Hub into its next phase.
At a time when the gap between mental health and psychosocial support needs and available resources and funding is larger than ever, it makes sense to unite the expertise and experience of the entire Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. As the new Director of the MHPSS Hub, cooperating with, supporting and servicing the IFRC, the ICRC, the Danish Red Cross as well as 191 National Societies across the globe, I am aware of the challenges but also ready to lead the work forward in implementing our new strategy.
Sarah has been part of the MHPSS Hub (formerly the IFRC PS Centre) since 2016, first as the IFRC Co-chair of the IASC Reference Group on MHPSS in Emergencies and, since 2022, as Head of the MHPSS Hub Technical Unit. Prior to this, she held positions with United Nations agencies, international NGOs, and the UK’s National Health Service. Sarah also has links with academia through her current teaching role at Trinity College University, Dublin.
The leadership transition marks a significant moment for the MHPSS Hub, and all partners are confident that Sarah will guide the MHPSS Hub successfully through the changes ahead. With her leadership, the MHPSS Hub is well positioned to implement its new strategy in collaboration with its partners and Steering Committee members, and to strengthen its role as a key Movement entity.
