Arlington Department of Human Services (DHS) Director Anita Friedman discusses how her department uses a racial equity lens to serve the needs of the community.  The Department of Human Services serves as the foundation of the community’s safety net to strengthen, protect, and empower Arlingtonians in need.  DHS is Arlington’s largest department which consists of five divisions including:  Child & Family Services, Economic Independence, Behavioral Healthcare, Aging & Disabilities, Behavioral Healthcare, and Public Health

The work carried out by the agency uses an equity lens and embodies the community’s values of diversity and inclusion; and is at the very forefront of Arlington’s efforts to address health equity, social justice, and racial equity.  DHS continues to build upon the legacy of professional, culturally competent, trauma-informed, evidence-based best-practice services to the community