Over 100 members of the community celebrated multiple people in the mental health field who really make a difference.

The Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board gives out awards every May to those they feel are the backbone of the community.

“We recognize people from every level in our system because it takes all of us to deal with the mental health and addiction crisis facing the community,” said Duane Piccirilli, executive director of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board.

One in 5 adults in the U.S. struggle with some type of mental illness each year.  The event  gives experts that  help recognition for their work to help those dealing with that struggle.

The room was full of smiling faces and some tears as awards were given out to members in the mental health field.

Piccirilli said events like this are important, especially with the recent decline of people coming to the mental health field.

“It's not easy working with mental health, and less and less people are going into our field. So, a celebration like this is going to show people [that] our agencies are good places to work, they're good employers and we help a lot of people,” said Piccirilli.

Struthers Police patrolman James Ritter was the winner of CIT officer of the year for over a decade of service. 

Ritter said he was surprised to get the award, but was honored to be recognized for helping in such an important field.

“It’s just about interacting with people who are having a difficult challenge or experience and learning the ways to guide them through that and get them through their tough time to better help,” said Ritter.

The leaders of the Survivors of Suicide Support Group, Laura Haas and Nicole Balog-Bickerstaff, won program for the year. The group focuses on helping those who have lost someone to suicide.

Those attending the group described it as a lifeline and a place to heal.

The Youngstown United Way was also given an award for its role in helping after the Realty building explosion.

Bob Hannon, Youngstown United Way President, said this work aligns with the group’s mission.

“When the mayor came to us and said we need to get these people moved in four days, I’m like ‘there’s no way’. But thankfully, we had hotels, we had assisted living, we had people that stepped up to help. So really I think our mission is to be the backbone when something happens in the community, like a crisis,” said Hannon.

Here is a full list of the awards given out at the event:

Community Impact Award: United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning County for coordinating human services response from the Chase Bank explosion.

Front Line Staff of the Year: Takiyah Anderson, YUMADAOP

Program of the Year: Survivors of Suicide Support Group, Laura Haas and Nicole Balog-Bickerstaff

Leader of the Year: Cassandra Valentini, Direction Home of Eastern Ohio

Advocate of the Year: Jionaa Gillins

CIT Officer of the Year: Officer James Ritter, Struthers Police Department

Eagle Award: Commissioner Carol Rimedio Righetti, Mahoning County Commissioner

 

If you or someone you know is struggling call the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988.