NAMI holds 2023 annual meeting, hands out awards
NAMI Community Service Award winner Judy Geiser, left, with NAMI Executive Director Jen Grim.
On Thursday evening, Aug. 24, NAMI Wayne and Holmes Counties held its Annual Dinner meeting and Awards Ceremony with 175 people in attendance.
The speaker for the evening was Luke Russell from NAMI Ohio whose presentation focused on “NAMI Now, More Than Ever.” The audience reviewed and celebrated another year of growth as the organization continues its mission to provide support and education around mental health and suicide loss.
Betty Riggs, Assistant Director of 911 and Dispatch Services in Wayne County, was named the Wayne-Holmes 2023 CIT Professional of the Year. In her nomination, Riggs’ continued dedication to Crisis Intervention Team training and practice was recognized.
Judy Geiser was awarded the NAMI Community Service award for having a positive, deep impact at NAMI through advocacy work, education that helps lower the stigma around mental illness, and volunteerism.
The Ginger Handwerk Award went to Deborah Robinson in recognition of her extraordinary commitment and service to the healing and mental health of others through the work in the MOCA House Recovery Program.