COLUMBUS – At a ceremony held by the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities on January 26th in the Statehouse Atrium, four individuals were honored for their distinguished service to Ohioans who need mental illness and addiction healthcare services and to the alcohol, drug addiction and mental health field.
- Pamela Hyde, recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award
Guest speaker Pamela S. Hyde, J.D., administrator of the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), was recognized with an Outstanding Achievement Award for ongoing commitment to excellence in mental health and addiction services.
Ms. Hyde has more than 30 years of experience in management and consulting for public healthcare and human services agencies. She most recently served as Secretary of the New Mexico Human Services Department, and is a former Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and the Ohio Department of Human Services.
- Representative Linda Bolon, recipient of the Legislator of the Year Award
State Representative Linda Bolon (D-Columbiana) was named Legislator of the Year by the Association for her leadership and compassion on behalf of Ohioans with mental illness and addictive disorders.
Patricia Baumgarner, executive director of the Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, commented, “As Vice-Chair of House Finance, Representative Bolon made sure that local recovery leaders were able to testify before the committee during the budget process. She has been attentive to our position and has helped our system to advocate for funding and desired budget language. In Columbiana County, she consistently participates in events for the general public to help highlight the importance of recovery.”
- Hamid Mehrizi, recipient of the President’s Partnering for Success Award
Recipient of the President’s Partnering for Success Award was Hamid Mehrizi, Ohio Department of Mental Health’s Chief of the Office of Capital Planning and Management. Mehrizi was honored for his work to strengthen and enhance the community behavioral health system.
“As this year’s president of the Association, I chose Hamid because I wanted to recognize someone who has been involved with all the major parts of our system: consumers’ organizations, provider agencies and boards,” said Precia Shenk Stuby, Association president and executive director of the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental
Health Services Board of Hancock County. “Hamid has been involved in capital projects that have benefited us all. He truly believes in our system and carries out his tasks with the utmost level of professionalism and spirit of collaboration.”
- Alan Johnson, recipient of the CEO Award for Distinguished Leadership
The CEO Award for Distinguished Leadership went to Columbus Dispatch writer Alan Johnson for taking action to improve the quality of care for mental illness and/or addiction for Ohio citizens.
According to Walter, “Alan has been a regular caller this past year as we’ve struggled to make the public and policy makers aware of the impact of state budget cuts on services for those with mental illness or addiction. His consistent reporting of our issues has brought awareness and education of a critical issue for two-thirds of Ohio families. For this, we are grateful.”
Following the awards ceremony, the Association held a press conference to launch the OF-1-MIND campaign, dedicated to education and advocacy regarding mental illness and addiction prevention, treatment and recovery support services. The campaign began with a phone survey of Ohioan’s opinions about behavioral health issues. To learn more about the campaign and see the survey results, visit www.of-1-mind.org.
In the evening, OACBHA and its member alcohol, drug addiction and mental health boards hosted a Legislative Reception for Senators, State Representatives and their aides.
Cheri L. Walter
Chief Executive Officer
