Poughkeepsie… On April 11, the Dutchess County Board of Health will present its annual Public Health Partnership Award to Tina Lee and Jo Ann Brown of the Mid-Hudson Chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI). The award presentation will take place at 7:00 pm, in the Legislative Chambers at 22 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, New York.
“Together, Ms. Lee and Ms. Brown have been a driving force in raising community awareness about mental illness,” said Board of Health President Lobsang T. Lhungay, M.D. “They have mobilized the community by providing invaluable educational programs that teach individuals about mental illness and educate families on how to better navigate the mental health system.”
“Through their work with NAMI, they have gained access to the educational system at all levels and have been able to effectively advocate for those coping with mental health issues through their “Parents and Teachers as Allies” educational program. Ms. Lee and Ms. Brown have also worked very closely with behavioral health providers and law enforcement agencies within the community to help people to better understand what it is like to live with mental illness and to reduce the stigmas associated with mental illness.”
NAMI is the nation’s largest grass-roots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental illness and their loved ones. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports, and research, and is committed to raising awareness and building a community of hope for all of those in need. The Mid-Hudson Chapter of NAMI has served the people of Dutchess and Ulster Counties since 1981.
The Public Health Partnership Award is designed to provide recognition and appreciation during National Public Health Week for contributions to the health of the community, reflecting the spirit of creating healthy communities, and to increase public awareness of the role and contribution of County partners who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and community involvement.
For more information about the Public Health Partnership Award or National Public Health Week, contact the Department at (845) 486-3432.
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