Camden Veteran And Combat Medic Now Leads With Compassion Beyond The Uniform

Camden,NJ— From their time in uniform to their everyday contributions in our neighborhoods, veterans embody service in so many forms. Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to share stories of veterans making a difference in the places we call home.

This story was submitted by Judith O. Yanacek, president and CEO of New Vitae Wellness and Recovery, who nominated U.S. Army veteran Taliah Mason of Camden. To share your own message of gratitude, click here to answer a few questions and we'll take it from there.

Tell us about the veteran's service.

Taliah enlisted in the United States Army after completing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. She served as a 68W Combat Medic, where she received advanced clinical training and gained extensive experience working under military physicians in a clinical setting. Her responsibilities included conducting health assessments, supporting diagnostic evaluation, administering treatment modalities, assisting with medication and referral protocols, and performing medical readiness procedures in support of unit operations.

Following her honorable discharge, she transitioned directly into civilian healthcare, working in gastroenterology and later cross-training in pathology, surgical assisting, and clinical medical support functions. She subsequently completed an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing and expanded her clinical scope by serving as an EMT, working 21-hour shifts in high-acuity community response environments.

Her military medic background and clinical leadership trajectory led her to the field of behavioral health, where her training in crisis management, de-escalation, and patient assessment positioned her for advancement. She currently serves as the Director of Nursing at New Vitae Wellness and Recovery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, overseeing psychiatric nursing operations, staff development, regulatory compliance, and patient care coordination across multidisciplinary teams.

She is presently enrolled in a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, further advancing her clinical and leadership expertise. Throughout both military and civilian service, she has demonstrated consistent upward progression, successful transition of military clinical competencies to civilian practice, and ongoing commitment to high-impact healthcare delivery within her community.

How do you know the veteran?

Taliah has served as both the Director of Wellness and, more recently, as the Assistant Administrator at New Vitae Wellness and Recovery's Philadelphia Residential Treatment Facilities. In these roles, she has been instrumental in developing and implementing holistic, individualized treatment plans that cater specifically to the mental health needs of the forensic population.

Her work involves direct oversight of clinical services, ensuring a seamless transition for program members from gradual step-down to community living, and integrating comprehensive care models that support justice-involved individuals in navigating major life transitions.

What makes the veteran someone your community should know about?

Taliah Mason has been serving in the corrections and forensics field through her role at New Vitae Wellness and Recovery for over three years, specifically focusing on the forensic population in Philadelphia. She has dedicated her efforts to this population for the duration of her time as Director of Wellness and now as Assistant Administrator, where she continues to enhance the care and support provided to justice-involved individuals with mental health challenges.

Taliah has significantly improved services for justice-involved individuals by developing and leading programs that integrate clinical services with residential care, ensuring continuity of care from intake through community reintegration. She designs and oversees individualized, holistic treatment plans that address the unique needs of each program member … Her innovative approach has led to measurable progress for program members, aiding them in successfully navigating life transitions. Taliah's leadership in promoting mental well-being and holistic care within the forensic population is a testament to her dedication and expertise.

What sets Taliah Mason apart in the field of healthcare is her unparalleled dedication to serving vulnerable populations, particularly justice-involved individuals with mental health challenges in Philadelphia. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Taliah’s journey is marked by a unique blend of scientific expertise, military service, and an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning.

Her decision to join the Army as a combat medic, where she served in a United Nations mission to Liberia during the Ebola crisis, speaks to her deep sense of duty and resilience. This military experience, combined with her academic achievements—including a BA in Biochemistry and a BS in Nursing—has equipped her with a rare combination of skills: clinical precision, strategic thinking, and the ability to remain composed under pressure.

Taliah's commitment to continuous education, as evidenced by her pursuit of a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, ensures she remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Her role as Director of Wellness at New Vitae Wellness and Recovery further highlights her leadership capabilities, where she strategically manages nursing services to enhance the care provided to a complex and often underserved population.

What truly distinguishes Taliah is her holistic approach to healthcare, one that is informed by her diverse experiences and deep-rooted connection to Philadelphia. Her work goes beyond clinical care; it embodies a mission to uplift and support justice-involved individuals, ensuring they receive the comprehensive, compassionate care they need to successfully reintegrate into society.

This blend of military discipline, academic rigor, and a profound commitment to service makes Taliah Mason a standout candidate whose work not only deserves recognition but also sets a standard of excellence in the field of forensic and correctional healthcare.”

What three words best describe the veteran?

Resilient, compassionate, innovative.

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