Mental health board presents awards

The board recognized people who promote positive mental health issues.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ohio was the keynote speaker at the Mahoning County Mental Health Board's annual awards luncheon last month.
May was Mental Health Month, and Terry L. Russell's message to the mental health professionals, mental health consumers and family members was to "continue the pursuit for quality mental health services and to pressure policy makers to include mental health services in their funding decisions."
Russell cited insurance parity in regard to mental health treatment as a critical issue facing those individuals afflicted with a mental illness and their access to quality treatment.
Recipients
Ronald Marian, the mental health board executive director, and Andrew Hamady, the board president, recognized this year's award recipients.
Barbara Bartnik, a psychiatric nurse with the Community Support Network, was awarded the advocate of the year honor. The award is given to the individual who best exemplifies advocacy on behalf of individuals struggling with mental health issues.
The director of the year award was given to Denise Stewart, executive director of Mahoning County Children's Services. Though not in the mental health system, Stewart was recognized for her commitment to mental health issues that impact children.
Eagle Awards
Recipients of the board's Eagle Awards, which are given to those individuals who promote positive changes in the lives of consumers dealing with mental health issues, were Youngstown Councilman Richard Atkinson, R-3rd, chosen in recognition of his assistance in helping the board to secure the North Branch Library property to expand the Drop In Center for mental health consumers; Liz Wilson, from the D & amp;E Counseling Center, recognized for her work in an initiative that focuses on helping families maintain custody of their children; and Cynthia Pickens, from the Help Hotline Crisis Center, recognized for her work as an outreach worker to homeless individuals.
The board also recognized one of its members, Atty. Chuck Kay, for the many hours he voluntarily gave in helping the board handle several legal matters.