OACBHA 2010 Awards

Juni Frey and Bill Denihan with Ralph Minter, recipient of the Consumer Advocacy Award and Scott Trobough, recipient of the Unsung Hero Award.

The Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) announced yesterday its 2010 awards for leadership and advocacy in the fields of mental health and alcohol and other drug addiction prevention, treatment and recovery services.  Each year the Association and its 53 member Community Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Boards nominate a Legislator of the Year, President’s Award, and CEO Award, along with recognizing Community ADAMHS Board Members for their outstanding leadership and service.

State Representative Ron Amstutz (District 3) earned the Legislator of the Year honor for his 28-year leadership in the Ohio General Assembly, and responsiveness to Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Boards and the Ohioans they serve.

Joe Szoke with Bob Spada, recipient of the President's Partnering for Quality Award

Former Senator Robert Spada, an outspoken advocate in support of services and understanding for Ohioans with mental illness, was honored with the President’s Partnering for Quality award from Joseph Szoke, president of OACBHA.

Eloise Traina, executive director of Family Recovery Center in Lisbon, Ohio, received the CEO Award for her service as a leader in the addiction and mental illness fields for the past 30 years.

For Community Board Members, the 2010 award winners are for: Innovative Leadership – Kathy Kuritar, chairperson of the Montgomery County ADAMH Board; Consumer Advocacy – Ralph Minter, member of the Paint Valley Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Board; and as Unsung Hero – Scott Trobough, president of the Paint Valley ADAMH Board.  The Paint Valley ADAMH Board serves the counties of Fayette, Highland, Pickaway, Pike, and Ross.