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AWARDS AT THE ANNUAL NAMI PA CONFERENCE - on Oct. 27,
2006
The first Annual "Robert J. Thompson Public Servant of the
Year Award" was acknowledged by Jean Woodruff, who was Chief
of Staff to State Senator Thompson (19th District - Chester County).
She read a letter of appreciation from Nancy Thompson, his wife,
who was unable to attend.
The first recipient of this award was presented to PA Sen. Patricia
Vance, of Cumberland County. In her remarks, she indicated her
goal of working for Parity of mental health and physical health
in PA.
MEDIA AWARD: Patty Conley, from The Beaver County
Times, was nominated by long time NAMI Leader, Connie Roman. The
articles were based on interviews she had with Lori Stiner and
persons Lori introduced her to.
PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR: Michael J. Breslin,
Executive Vice President, Northwestern Human Services received
the award for his activities on the county, state and private
mental health systems in PA.
PSYCHIATRIST OF THE YEAR AWARD: Dr. Joseph Antonowicz,
from Altoona, Blair County, was nominated by NAMI member, Margaret
"Peg" Thatcher, for his 'outstanding caring service
to consumers and their families'.
JEAN PISANO ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARD: Ruth
and Bill Helgemo, from Wilkes Barre, Luzerne County, were a driving
force in bringing NAMI PA to their area of N/E PA. They were the
focus in PA for persons needing help to understand Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder (OCD) and Ruth was also instrumental in the development
of the Fountain House Model Clubhouse, 'The Greenhouse'. in Wilkes
Barre.
MICHAEL SHATTO AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER: Marge
Chapman, of Harrisburg, Dauphin County, was recognized for her
years of volunteering at the NAMI PA office. The $1000, that comes
with the award, was donated to the Consumer Council of NAMI PA
Board.
SPECIAL "ALL STAR" AWARDS": Two
outgoing members of the NAMI PA Board of Directors, Al Froy, of
the Finance Comm., from Chester County, and Bill Kennedy, Treasurer,
from Erie County, were recognized for years of outgoing dedicated
service to NAMI PA.
ONE OF THE NATIONAL NAMI EXEMPLARY PSYCHIATRIST OF THE
YEAR AWARDS FOR 2006 was re-presented to Dr. Mary Diamond,
whose private practice is in Paoli, Chester County. She is also
Medical Director for OMHSAS (Office of Mental Health and Substance
Abuse Services) and been in leader in developing Disaster Management
Services training for people with Disabilities, especially MH,
and in the MH community - education about Suicide Prevention.
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