Oct 7, 2024

On September 26, MAMH honored individuals whose work contributes to progress in awareness, health promotion, prevention, and effective treatment for children and adults affected by mental health challenges throughout Massachusetts.

At our annual Friend & Leader Award Dinner on September 26th, MAMH recognized the power of partnership and youth mental health, celebrating individuals and organizations whose work has a positive, lasting impact on all Commonwealth residents.

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Former U.S. Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III

It was a night filled with moving remarks from prominent champions for mental health and well being. MAMH Board Officer, former U.S. Congressman, and longtime advocate Joseph P. Kennedy III made opening remarks, reflecting on continuing the work begun by his grandfather, Robert F. Kennedy, and his brother, President John F. Kennedy, supporting access to quality, community-based mental health services. “We can build the best infrastructure possible for mental health, but it won’t matter if people don’t have the access and affordability that, in our health care system, only insurance coverage allows.”

William James College, President Dr. Nicholas Covino, and Dr. Gemima St. Louis were honored for their ongoing commitment to behavioral health workforce development, diverse providers, and culturally-responsive care. In her remarks, Dr. St. Louis quoted Margaret Mead, emphasizing the importance of doing what we can, big or small, to advance mental health.

““Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.””

State Senator Cynthia Stone Creem and Representatives Ruth B. Balser and Kay Khan reflected on important behavioral health legislation and their commitment to improving access and effectiveness of care for people with mental health conditions and their families. In their remarks, Rep. Balser and Rep. Khan – both of whom are finishing their final term in the Legislature – reflected on their time in state government and the work that remains to be done.

In recognition of their impactful partnership with MAMH and each other, Foley Hoag LLP and the Center for Public Representation (CPR) received the Friend and Leader Award. For more than four decades, MAMH, CPR, and Foley Hoag have collaborated to advance the rights of thousands of individuals with disabilities to receive services and supports in their own communities and homes. In the words of Steven Schwartz, Founder and Senior Counsel of CPR, “Our mission is to bring people home, “Our mission is to bring people home.

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Emmy award-winning journalist and reporter for WCVB Channel 5 Ted Wayman emceed the night, weaving in powerful and moving testimonials of his personal struggles with alcohol and substance use. Celebrating over 30 years of sobriety, Wayman stressed the need for people to understand that recovery is possible and that there are many ways to find help.

Thanks to this year’s honorees, sponsors, and supporters who helped make MAMH’s 2024 Friend & Leader Award Dinner a huge success! Your support is everything! We are stronger when we stand and work together to promote mental health and well being of residents of the Commonwealth.

2024 Friend & Leader Honorees

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Friend & Leader Award

  • Center for Public Representation and Foley Hoag LLP
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Partner in Progress Award

  • Senator Cynthia Stone Creem, Representative Ruth B. Balser, and Representative Kay Khan
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Special Recognition Award

  • Gemima St. Louis, PhD; President Nicholas Covino, PsyD; and William James College

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