Awards
Note: We have not given out awards for several years, but plan to start doing so again - starting in 2010. If you would like to nominate someone for an award, let us know.
PREVIOUS AWARD WINNERS
Six of the state's outstanding mental health workers and programs
were recognized at the Montana Mental Health Association-sponsored
2003 Legislative Buffet. The Buffet for legislators and guests
was held on January 10, 2003 in Helena.
Kay Dorr, Ph.D. from Glasgow received the award
for Long-Term Service to Mental Health. Dr. Dorr has been employed
continuously since 1972 by the Eastern Montana Community Mental
Health Center. In his nomination letter, Frank Lane, Executive
Director of EMCMHC said, "Kay Dorr is a shining example of
what the consummate community mental health professional should
be."
Patty Lavin, APRN from Miles City was named the
Outstanding Service Provider. Patty has a demonstrated track record
in the nursing profession, having progressed from A.A.N. to A.B.S.N.,
to MRSN, and to an APRN psychiatric nurse specialist with prescription
privileges. She currently provides medication management services
to the Miles City and Glendive offices of EMCMHC.
The Montana Chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally
Ill (NAMI) received an Outstanding Program award for
its mental health provider curriculum and training. The trainers
are Sandy Mihelish, Kathleen Driscoll, Sally Ray and Kathy Bartsch.
Paul Meyer, Director of the Western Montana Community Mental
Health Center says, "They are smart, committed, empathetic
and were exceptionally well-received by our staff." NAMI
Montana also provides excellent training on Family-to-Family
for family members and In Our Own Voices, a curriculum presented
by persons who have a mental illness.
The Montana State Hospital Resident's Council also
received an Outstanding Program award. The Council has been providing
peer support to patients for a year and a half. Members meet weekly
to discuss matters of importance to hospital patients. They have
also provided valuable input to the administration on policies
and procedures. Support for the Council is provided by Polly Peterson,
Ph.D., Chief of the Psychology Department at Montana State Hospital.
Milt Markuson, Carter County Commissioner, received
the award for Outstanding Board Member. He has been a member of
the Eastern Montana Mental Health Center's Board since 1990 and
has also been a long-time member of the Montana Association of
Counties' Health and Human Services Committee. He travels many
miles to fulfill his duties and is a fine example of a committed
rural board member.
Kathy Beason of Miles City was the recipient
of the Outstanding Administrative Support award. Kathy is the Data
Processing Coordinator of EMCMHC. In his award nomination, Frank
Lane said, " ...Kathy's expertise saves EMCMHC thousands of
dollars every year. Kathy supervises two other staff members plus
does the job of two people herself."
At the MMHA Annual Meeting held June 7, 2003 at the Cottonwood
Inn in Glasgow, Montana, the Charles Averill Volunteer of
the Year Award was presented to Joan Stockton of
Grass Range, MT. Joan is a longtime employee at the Lewistown Mental
Health Center. She has worked for the rights and dignity of the
mentally ill for over 20 years and has spent numerous hours well
beyond the workday to educate people on mental illness. She has
provided education on both community and state levels and has helped
start NAMI organizations throughout the state to help support the
mentally ill and their families. She empowers those who struggle
to see hope and learn that they can live with their illnesses. She
is respected by her peers for her professionalism and compassion.
She possesses a true gift to the mental health profession.
The annual Cliff Murphy Advocate of
the Year award was not given this year since a suitable
candidate was not nominated.
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