Aryeh Jacobsohn, Deputy Director of the Digital Service at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), is being recognized for advancing public service through his strategic initiatives. Under Aryeh's leadership, the Digital Service team at CMS tackled critical challenges, such as enhancing the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Facing high call abandonment rates, Aryeh prioritized improving user experience, reducing wait times from over 2 minutes to approximately 35 seconds. This improvement has been pivotal during national mental health crises, ensuring better access to crisis support services.

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Moreover, Aryeh addressed government-wide capacity issues by establishing streamlined hiring processes. For instance, his efforts enabled the Office of Refugee Resettlement to expedite the hiring of technologists, supporting efficient case management for unaccompanied children and ensuring access to essential services.

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Aryeh's leadership also includes innovative hiring practices, such as the Subject Matter Expert Qualification Assessment, which has successfully recruited skilled professionals in critical areas like artificial intelligence. These initiatives bolster CMS's technical capabilities, preparing it to meet future challenges effectively.

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The public benefits of Aryeh's achievements are substantial. His enhancements to the 988 service have handled approximately 9.1 million calls, texts, and chats since launch, significantly improving access to mental health crisis support. Additionally, initiatives like FindSupport.gov have provided user-friendly resources for mental health and substance use issues, reaching millions through effective dissemination channels.

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Aryeh Jacobsohn's dedication to improving public service through digital innovation and strategic leadership underscores his impact and makes him a commendable nominee for recognition in public service.