Kennebec Behavioral Health held its 58th annual meeting on June 14 at the Senator Inn in Augusta. The event included recognitions of area community partners for exceptional community service and partnership, according to a news release from the agency.

Save-A-Lot in Waterville was presented with the 2018 James R. Schmidt Award, which is presented annually to a person or organization that best exemplifies the late Jim Schmidt’s efforts to improve quality of life for adults who experience mental illness by providing them with social, educational and employment opportunities. Since the grand opening of the grocery store in Waterville, the leadership team of this business has been a strong employer partner to High Hopes Clubhouse offering supported and full employment opportunities to clubhouse members.

The Outstanding Community Partnership Award was awarded to Rep. Colleen Madigan, D-Waterville, and Rep. Richard Malaby, R-Hancock. During the Legislative Sessions of 2017 and 2018, Madigan and Malaby provided unfailing support and leadership on the Health and Human Services committee for children and families that experience mental health or developmental challenges.

Tara Karczewski-Mitchell, Complex Mental Health Discharge Specialist at MaineGeneral Medical Center, was presented with KBH’s Transformational Clinical Collaboration Awards. She has been an invaluable collaborator in working with KBH’s Supported Housing and Community Living Services programs ensuring successful outcomes for housing residents and clients.

Also receiving the Transformational Clinical Collaboration Award were Dr. Ann Dorney, of Skowhegan Family Medicine, and Dr. Gust Stringos, of Somerset Primary Care, for their leadership and commitment to advancing evidence based treatment for those living with Opioid Substance Use Disorders through the Somerset Expansion for Addiction Care Collaborative.

The final award of the evening, KBH’s 2018 Recognition Award was presented to Dr. Robert Anderson. Anderson, after practicing psychiatry for more than 35 years retired in December 2017. During his career, Anderson worked in both inpatient and ambulatory positions which provided a breadth of experiences and wisdom. Anderson’s leadership and tireless advocacy for quality patient care and his support for his medical team is unsurpassed.

A highlight of the evening was keynote speaker Ann Woloson, executive director of Consumers for Affordable Health Care. CAHC follows all aspects of healthcare, both private and government based healthcare to influence healthcare and related policy in order to make it more affordable for all Mainers.

For more information, call 888-322-2136 or visit kbhmaine.org.


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