The County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADM) Services Board paid tribute to local trailblazers at their annual luncheon earlier this month. 

Established In 2007, the event honors individuals who are recognized as being innovators and advocates in the mental health and addiction fields like the original trailblazers in our community – Drs. Fred & Penny Frese, Maggie Carroll Smith, Sr. Mary Ignatia and Dr. Bob Smith.

“The Trailblazer Awards provide an opportunity to express our appreciation to our network of providers and community partners,” commented Jerry Craig, Executive Director of the County of Summit ADM Board. “The strength of our local system lies in our ability to work together, because partnerships allow us to achieve better outcomes for the individuals and families we serve.”

The Drs. Fred & Penny Frese Education Award was presented to Pastor Jeffrey Dennis, Executive Director, Minority Behavioral Health Group for recognizing and supporting the importance of mental health among underserved populations in the community.

The Sister Ignatia Hope Award was presented to Janis Beckett, MBA, ARC Recovery Services, for her inspiring work with women in addiction treatment and early recovery.

The Maggie Carroll Smith Advocacy Award was presented to Daniel Bennett, OCPSA, Adolescent Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator & Event Specialist at Greenleaf Family Center for his outstanding work educating youth in Summit County.

The Dr. Bob Smith Innovation Award was presented to Mayor Don Walters, City of Cuyahoga Falls, for his strong commitment to supporting prevention and recovery services for citizens in the city he serves.

The County of Summit ADM Board contracts with a network of healthcare organizations that provide treatment and rehabilitation support services for people diagnosed with addiction and/or mental illness. Many treatment options are available in our community and people recover. For information about the ADM Board’s network of services, please visit www.admboard.org.