Mental Health America Augusta is accepting nominations for the J. Lewis Gibbs Distinguished Service Award, the highest award given by the MHA-A.
Individuals or groups may make nominations by sending to the association the names of persons or organizations who have done outstanding work in the interest of mental health, either in the area of promotion or prevention, or who have been instrumental in assisting those persons with a mental illness, either by advocacy, legislation, or by securing and providing services or facilities for people with a mental illness in the Staunton, Waynesboro, or Augusta County area. Nominations should be submitted in writing to the Mental Health Association Nominating Committee, Room 206, Professional Building, Staunton, VA 24401. Due date for nominations is Oct. 1.
The award is named in commemoration of Dr. J. Lewis Gibbs for his community leadership in securing better facilities in the field of mental health. Gibbs, the former Rector at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Staunton, was one of the founders and the first president of the Mental Health Association in 1954. The award is presented annually by the MHA-A to the individual or organization considered to have made the greatest contribution to mental health during the past year within our community.
In presenting candidates for the award, clear and detailed information as to what the person or organization has done to deserve the recognition must be in the form of a written recommendation, including any publicity, support documents, or letters of recommendation by persons or organizations making the nomination. Decisions regarding the award will be made by the Board of Directors Award Committee and the winner will be presented at the 55th Annual Dinner Meeting on November 19 at the Holiday Inn Golf and Conference Center.
Former Gibbs Award recipients are: 2008, VASCI; 2007, St. Francis Catholic Church; 2006, Dr. James R.Krag; 2005, R. Edward DeLapp; 2004, Christ United Methodist Church; 2003, SACRA; 2002, Mickey C. DeCarr; 2001, Elizabeth Harmon; 2000, John Beghtol; 1999, Carol Blair; 1998, John S. Savides, B.G.S., C.S.A.C; 1997, Andrea C. Newsome, FACHE; 1996, Dr. Wil Spradlin; 1995, Dr. Jack Barber; 1994, Lyn Harding; 1993, Waynesboro Adult Day Health Care Center; 1992, Trinity Episcopal Church; 1991, Augusta Psychological Associates; 1990, Staunton News Leader; 1989, Central Valley Counselors Association; 1988, none; 1987, Mrs. Kit Carter and Mrs. Jane Manning; 1986, Mr. Charles Shaffer; 1985, Mr. Gerald L. Biehn; 1984, Mrs. Jane Desper; 1983, Mr. David J. Rissmeyer; 1982, Mrs. Nona Allen; 1981, Ms. Constance Wiseman; 1980, Mrs. Nancy P. Dahl; 1979, Mrs. Betty Kline; 1978, Mrs. Margaritta D. Lilley; 1977, Dr. Hobart Hansen; 1976, Mr. Bernard Levin; 1975, Mrs. Elsie Chittum; and 1974, State Del. A.R. (Pete) Giesen Jr., the first award recipient.
For more information, contact the Mental Health Association, 540.949.0169 or 540.886.7181or [email protected].
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