Nominations sought for Hamilton Awards

Katherine Hamilton was a woman devoted to the cause of mental health and improving the care for persons with mental illnesses.

In this spirit, Hamilton Awards are presented annually to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the cause of mental health and the quality of life for residents living in central and west central Indiana.

The staff of Hamilton Center invites the public to participate in this year's awards by nominating individuals, groups businesses or industries they feel have demonstrated qualifications for Hamilton Awards.

The Board of Directors of Hamilton Center would like to remind nominators that the phrases "mental health," "behavioral health" and "mental illness" are used interchangeably and should be construed to include services in the fields of developmental disabilities, alcohol and drug abuse and other mental health services.

Nominators many nominate more than one person or organization. Deadline for nominations is Sept. 14.

Award categories include:

* Community: The Hamilton Center Community Award may be presented to a business, industry, organization, group or individual that has advanced the cause of behavioral health, benefitted those suffering from a mental illness or contributed to the mission of Hamilton Center Inc.

*Volunteer: The Hamilton Center Volunteer Award may be presented to an individual who, serving in a volunteer capacity, has advanced the cause of behavioral health, benefitted those suffering from a mental illness or contributed to the mission of Hamilton Center Inc.

* Staff: The Hamilton Center Staff Award may be presented to a Hamilton Center Inc. staff member who has demonstrated a personal commitment to the cause of behavioral health, benefitted those suffering from a mental illness or advanced the mission of Hamilton Center Inc. through service above and beyond the normal duties of his or her position.

The Board of Directors of Hamilton Center Inc. will select the award winner in each category.

Individuals who are currently serving on the Hamilton Center board are not eligible for an award. Awards will be presented at the annual dinner of the board of directors on Oct. 26.

Hamilton Center Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation licensed by the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

For more information on the awards or to find out how to obtain and submit nomination forms, call (812) 231-8317.