Last week we held our annual Awards Dinner and it is clearly the highlight of the year at MHANYS.
Congratulations to all the awardee and a special thanks to OMH Commissioner Sullivan for her participation. It is such a joyful event as you can tell from the conference photos. Everyone in all the pictures is smiling and having a wonderful time.
Listed below is the list of award winners and our sponsors who made this evening possible:
The MHANYS 2025 Annual Awards Dinner was a night to remember! More than 130 affiliate members, partners, and advocates from across New York State gathered to celebrate the outstanding efforts advancing mental health support for individuals and families statewide. Throughout the evening, honorees shared powerful personal stories about what inspired their commitment to mental health – whether through their own experiences, those of loved ones, or the influence of colleagues and peers. The dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment filled the room.
At the heart of the evening was the enduring message of the Mental Health Bell, a symbol of unity and hope that represents our shared mission to support mental health and wellness. Each of the honorees was presented with a Mental Health Bell Award in recognition of their exceptional contributions and efforts:
- Joe Lemmond Volunteer of the Year Award: The Honorable Mary F. Foster, Greater Mental Health of New York
- Family Advocate of the Year: William (Bill) Crowley, MHA of Putnam
- Friend of MHA Award: Karen Drossel, Cairo-Durham Central School District
- Beth Jenkins Staff Leadership Award: Nicole Shields, Mental Health Advocates of Western New York
- Beth Jenkins Staff Leadership Award: Kaitlyn Andrews, MHA of the Southern Tier
- Leila Salmon Advocacy Award: Kevin Cleary, Kevin Cleary Associates
- Morgan Wheeler Young Adult Award: Jacob Wolmetz, Hauppauge High School
- CEO Award: Sarah Kuriakose, New York State Office of Mental Health
- Board Member of the Year Award: Colleen Merlo, Association for Mental Health and Wellness
On this night, MHANYS also awarded the Sylvia Lask Scholarship, established in honor of the late MHANYS Board Chair Sylvia Lask and lifelong advocate, to Amen Galinato, a student at SUNY Stony Brook.
This inspiring evening would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors: Bristol Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, MHA of Dutchess, Greater Mental Health of New York, Association for Mental Health and Wellness, Baltic Street Wellness Solutions, Neurocrine Biosciences, Congressman Paul Tonko, New York State Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors, and Maria College.
The work of MHANYS – raising awareness, reducing stigma, increasing literacy, advocating for change, and promoting recovery and wellness – continues year-round thanks to the steadfast support of our affiliate members and the greater community. Together, we move forward – stronger than ever.
Check out all the photos here.