NELSONVILLE, OHIO, Monday, September 23, 2024 – The Athens-Hocking-Vinton Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services “317 Board” held its annual meeting and awards ceremony at Stuart’s Opera House on Monday evening.
“The Board’s annual awards serve as a time to acknowledge the incredible work of our community members who are making a difference in the areas of mental health and substance use disorder advocacy,” said Executive Director Diane Pfaff.
This year’s award winners included:
Behavioral Health Advocate: Athens County – Dan Brozak
In his role as hospital liaison at Hopewell Health Centers, Dan assists individuals in navigating the behavioral health system and addressing their barriers to care with incredible compassion. Dan is well known for being incredibly reliable and helpful by those who collaborate with him at partner agencies. “Selfless” and “tireless” are only two of the many ways Dan’s work has been described.
Behavioral Health Advocate: Athens County – Lori Brown and Jane Riley
Lori and Jane are social workers at Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare who not only do exemplary work in their jobs but in their free time as members of the Athens County Suicide Prevention Coalition and LOSS Team. Their compassionate support of LOSS survivors and educational work around suicide prevention and postvention is invaluable.
Behavioral Health Advocate: Hocking County – Beth Kluding
Beth’s tireless advocacy for the community is apparent through both her role as chief nursing officer at Hocking Valley Community Hospital and as president of the board of directors of the Hocking Hills Inspire Shelter. Beth has been instrumental in expanding behavioral health services in both of her roles and is active on many of Hocking County’s coalitions and task forces.
Behavioral Health Advocate: Vinton County – Care Outreach Team: Seth Fannin, Greg Burke, David Boothe, Marilyn Braden, David Graham, Shirley Graham, Debbie McNally, John Hawk, Brande Minton, Marilyn Prater, George Reaser, Naomi Wallace and Jean-Ann Webster
Care Outreach Team board members volunteer their time to apply for grants and distribute those funds to individuals in need throughout Vinton County. Because of their work, community members have benefited from rental relief, hygiene items, school supplies, and car repair costs.
Rita Gillick Mental Health Advocacy Award – The Gathering Place staff: Ginger Schmalenberg, Sara Brooks, Daniel West, Catrina Tolley and Madalyn Shiplett
asdas The Gathering Place staff has worked tirelessly to provide services to some of Athens County’s most vulnerable residents. Even during COVID, the team persevered to support The Gathering Place members through vaccination clinics and by hosting regular meals. TGP has also played a tremendous role in advocacy and support for unhoused individuals.
Valeria “Taffy” Marks Substance Abuse Prevention Advocacy Award – Judge George McCarthy
Judge George McCarthy established the area’s first veterans court in 2016. Since then, he has kept the court continuously operational, receiving three grants that ensure sustainability for this successful program that is saving the lives of veterans and helping them become productive members of our communities.
About the Athens-Hocking-Vinton 317 Board
The Athens-Hocking-Vinton Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Board (317 Board) is one of 50 boards across Ohio that plan, fund, and evaluate a community-based system of care for individuals in need of behavioral health or substance use disorder recovery services. For more than 50 years, the 317 Board has ensured a quality, comprehensive network of care that includes prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Learn more at www.317Board.org.
###