In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, Interim, Inc.’s OMNI Center held its annual Mental Health Service Recognition Awards. This is an event that recognizes consumers, volunteers, and mental health care providers who are passionate about serving the mental health community. Over 200 people gathered Friday at Sherwood Hall in Salinas to honor them. The event also featured a consumer art show and dancing music provided by a local DJ! Interim Board President, Diana Rosenthal, and Dr. Marni Sandoval, Deputy Director of Child & Adolescent Services for Monterey County Behavioral Health, spoke about the importance and benefits of volunteering. Special thanks to Fabian Martin for doing a fabulous, and entertaining, job, as emcee!
Each year, the agency presents three special awards to those who demonstrate exemplary service to the mental health community. These awards include the Dr. David Soskin Compassionate Service Honorarium, the Dr. David Soskin Inspiring Hope Honorarium, and the Kristen Hart Memorial Award. Interim’s Executive Director, Rhiyan Quiton, presented the Dr. Soskin Awards.
This year Chloe Brown, a Behavioral Health Unit Supervisor for Monterey County Behavioral Health, and Idalia Matthews, Director of Interim, Inc.’s SEES, WET, Peer Partners for Health, OMNI and SOS Programs, were each awarded a Compassionate Service Honorarium. Elizabeth Hodges, a Wellness Navigator at Interim Inc.’s OMNI Resource Center, and Kontrena McPheter, Peer Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator for Interim Inc.’s Success Over Stigma program were each awarded an Inspiring Hope Honorarium.
Dr. Soskin served for three years as Medical Director of the Behavioral Health Department in Monterey County. He was a mentor and teacher to doctors and staff, a friend to his patients, and especially committed to caring for the underserved.
Thomas Calderon won this year’s Kristin Hart Award. The Kristina Hart award is given to consumers who demonstrate exemplary service to and inspire their peers.
