Posted on July 6, 2016
NORWICH – State Representative Kathleen McCarty (R-38) was presented recently with an award at the Eastern Regional Mental Health Board’s annual meeting for her legislative leadership in protecting programs and in supporting funding to vital mental health services.
Executive Director Jennifer Gross said, “Rep. McCarty has really demonstrated such a commitment to learning about mental health care. She served as a committee member on our community discussions, and held two mental health forums in the communities she serves, thus bringing together a diverse group of professionals who would not have had otherwise the chance to talk to each other about mental health issues.”
Rep. McCarty, who serves on the Legislature’s Public Health Committee, has advocated for the care of those suffering from mental illness and substance abuse disorders since the beginning of her first term almost two years ago.
“It has been a true privilege and pleasure to work with the Eastern Regional Mental Health board,” said Rep. McCarty. “I have learned so much from my constituents, and from Ms. Gross. I pledge to continue to advocate for your needs and the issues related to mental health.”
“Several decades ago my dad introduced the Iris as the symbol for mental illness awareness, which was adopted by the National Alliance for Mental Illness. I was most pleased to see the Irises today on your program,” continued Rep. McCarty, before reading a quote by Vincent Van Gogh, the artist who painted “Les Irises” while battling a severe mental illness. Rep. McCarty read the quote to Jennifer Gross as a tribute to her for the work she has accomplished on behalf of the Eastern Regional Mental Health Board:
“It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.”
Several other awards and recognitions were presented during the meeting to members and volunteers of the Eastern Regional Mental Health Board. Discussions also centered largely on the need for better transportation services for clients to receive the mental healthcare that they need in Southeastern, CT.
For more information on what services the Eastern Regional Mental Health board offers, please visit www.changingmindsct.org.