YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board hosted the 2021 Mental Health and Recovery Awards both in person and virtually on Friday, Sept. 10 at 1:00 p.m. at the Tyler History Center.

Each year, the board honors individuals and organizations who are making a difference in the Mahoning Valley through their work in the fields of mental health and recovery.

Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board Executive Director Duane Piccirilli says that throughout the pandemic, the board has seen a dramatic increase in the need for mental health services in the area.

"It's an honor for us to recognize these individuals who are working tirelessly each day to provide these critically important services to our community," Piccirilli said.

Awardees included:

-Lieutenant Salvatore Pascarella of the Mahoning County Sheriff's Office (CIT Officer of the Year)

-Mahoning County Family and Children First Council (Organization of the Year)

-Lieutenant Tom Collins of the Austintown Police Department (Critical Incident Stress Management Award)

-Suicide Crisis Hotline Help Network of Northeast Ohio (Frontline Staff of the Year)

-Lucia Lovell of the Mahoning Valley Probate Court (Support Staff of the Year)

-Pastor Michael Harrison of Union Baptist Church (Leadership Award)

-Ellen Taylor of Compass Family Community Services (Advocate Award)