News

November 19, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Dean Johnson
Public Information Officer
DJohnson2@sevencounties.org
502-589-8615, ext. 1297 Office
502-439-9461 Cell

Integrating Mental Wellness and Educational Achievement
Henry County Schools and Resource Centers Honored with
Seven Counties Services' Sunrise Award

Louisville, KY, 11-16-2007- Henry County Public Schools and their Family Resource and Youth Service Centers are the recipients of the third annual Sunrise Award, presented by Seven Counties Services, Inc. The Sunrise Award recognizes individuals or organizations whose cooperation and collaboration help further Seven Counties' mission to build healthy communities by helping individuals and families who are affected by mental illness, developmental disabilities, addictions and abuse realize their potential.

"Seven Counties delivers school-based services throughout the region aimed at helping young people and their families cope with emotional and behavioral challenges and succeed in their studies," says Howard Bracco, Ph.D., President and CEO of Seven Counties Services. "In Henry County, the effort transcends delivery of services - it is a collaborative weaving of critical behavioral health care into the very fabric of the education experience. Henry County's educators know that early and comprehensive delivery of mental health services to students in need creates a better learning environment and greater academic achievement."

Working with Seven Counties, the school system and support centers have developed a complete menu of needed services for children and families. On a daily basis, those in need have access to individual, group and family therapy right in the school. Other needs, which affect mental wellness and preparedness - adequate food, shelter, and clothing - are addressed through a team effort.

Recognizing the critical role of behavioral health services in student achievement, the school district and the centers together fund a contract program that insures that students who are uninsured, underinsured, or out of the Seven Counties' insurance network receive needed services.

The school system and centers were nominated for the distinction by Seven Counties' Primary Therapists Angela R. Schardein and Carey Moore.

The award will be presented to Superintendent Tim Abrams, Director of Pupil Personnel Denise Perry, Family Resource Center Director Renata Ingram and Youth Service Center Director Karen Wilson at the Henry County Board of Education meeting on Monday, November 19, 2007 at the Henry County Middle School. Presenting the award will be Robert Elliott, Chair of the Seven Counties Board of Directors.

Past award winners were:

• Ms. Betty Kassulke, the first female warden in the KY Corrections System, honored for her advocacy efforts on behalf of women parolees with alcohol and drug abuse treatment and support needs.
• Central Presbyterian Church in Louisville, for opening its doors, arms and hearts to individuals in recovery from alcohol addiction and individuals with serious mental illness and creating community work opportunities for Seven Counties' clients.

For More Information, contact Dean Johnson, Seven Counties Services, Inc., Public Information Coordinator, 502-589-8615, Ext 1297, DJohnson2@sevencounties.org.