NAMI Ohio Statewide Conference 2008 Award Winners

Legislator of the Year State Senator Kevin Coughlin accepts the NAMI Ohio 2008 Legislator of the Year Award from Harvey Snider, Board President and Jim Mauro, Executive Director.   The award was presented at NAMI Ohio’s statewide conference at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus May 9th and 10th.  “This award is our way of publicly expressing our appreciation to Senator Coughlin for his efforts to ensure that people with mental health disorders who rely on Medicaid have access to the mental health medications they need,” said Jim Mauro.

Media Partner of the Year Alan Johnson, reporter for the Columbus Dispatch, receives the NAMI Ohio 2008 Media Partner of the Year Award.  “NAMI Ohio is fortunate to count Alan Johnson, among our friends.  We are grateful to him for listening to our concerns and sharing them with the public,” said Jim Mauro, Executive Director of NAMI Ohio. “

Mental Health Professional of the Year Dora Sterling, a member of the staff at the Ohio Department of Mental Health accepts the 2008 Mental Health Professional of the Year Award. “Dora is tenacious when it comes to getting families the services they need,” said Jim Mauro.

CIT Officer of the Year Streetsboro Police Officer Andrew Suvada accepts the 2008 Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer of the Year Award.  “Officer Suvada’s commitment to helping those in his community with mental illness has a profound impact not only on those individuals, but on their loved ones and the members of the community at large,” said Jim Mauro. (Pictured with Officer Suvada, is his wife, Carrie.)

CIT Program of the Year David Malawista with the Athens County Police Department accepts the 2008 CIT Program of the Year Award on behalf of the Athens Area Crisis Intervention Team.

Board of the Year “Ohio is fortunate to have a Board such as the ADAMHS Board for Montgomery County which puts the needs of individuals with mental health and substance abuse disorders and their families at the forefront of their decision making,” said Jim Mauro as he presented the award to Joe Szoke, Executive Director of the Board.

Affiliate of the Year “The combined leadership of Carole Jazbec, Director (right)  and Board President Barb Petterson (left), has helped to make NAMI Lake County one of Ohio’s most impactful affiliates,” said Jim Mauro.

Stigma Buster of the Year Dorothy Gleckler accepts the award for Stigma Buster of the Year.  “Dorothy is the lifeblood of NAMI VanWert/Mercer/Paulding Counties whose warm, caring nature has endeared people to NAMI's programs who would have never been involved prior to her encouragement,” said Gini Haffner, NAMI Ohio staff member who nominated Dorothy.

Mental Health Agency of the Year “Connections has truly embraced a ‘patient and family centered approach to treatment” and remains on the cutting edge in their endeavor to help in the development of new treatment options.   These initiatives, along with many others, are why Connections has been named the NAMI Ohio Agency of the Year,” said Harvey Snider in presenting the award to Roknedin Safavi, M.D., Chief Executive Officer and Esther Pla, RNC, Chief Operating Officer .

NAMI Ohio’s Response to the Administration’s Decision to Close Two State Mental Health Hospitals

NAMI Ohio is gravely concerned about any cuts in mental health spending, especially given the ever-declining real dollar funding levels for services over the past decade. The potential impact of reduced services, particularly upon seriously ill children and the adult SMD population is alarming. NAMI Ohio recognizes the difficult position Governor Strickland finds himself relative to state finances. It is unfortunate, though, that he has chosen to close two state mental health hospitals. We are, however, hopeful that the Ohio Department of Mental Health will be able to keep the hospital closures from creating a loss of available beds through the opening of new units elsewhere. We are also grateful that the Governor did not make cuts to the community mental health system.

Whether we like it or not, reducing services at the state and local levels shifts the burden for care to families, many of whom are not prepared or able to undertake that role. It is vital that the Governor keep this in mind as he plans for the future. If additional budget adjustments become necessary, priority must be given to mental health services and no additional cuts should be permitted that adversely impact care for the mentally ill. The health and well being of Ohioans must be a first priority. At a time when jobs and productivity are essential to economic recovery in Ohio, our state must be known as the place where a healthy, productive workforce is a primary focus for public policy.

It is our great hope that NAMI will be a significant player in reaching solutions to the problems facing the mental health system. We very much appreciate the Department of Mental Health’s recognition of the value of the consumer and family movement and look forward to our continued partnership.