Community
57 Honoree: Ramon Solhkhah, M.D., Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Corporate Medical Director, Meridian Behavioral Health Susan Tellone-McCoy, MHA Board of Directors Vice President Wendy DePedro, MHA Executive Director
The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County’s Fall Celebracíon, Viva La Vida was held on Saturday, November 15th at Raven & the Peach in Fair Haven, NJ. This well attended event “celebrated life” with entertainment from The Haven and a Spanish themed menu. Proceeds from the event support MHA’s free programs and services that are available to all families in Monmouth County. “We chose the theme this year to acknowledge the importance of surrounding ourselves with the positives of life: friends, food, music, and a sense of connectedness to others that all contribute to our mental health and wellness,” said Wendy DePedro, MHA Executive Director.
Meridian Health Table From Left to Right standing: Patricia Carey, Ninette Tuerk, Barbara Berger, Lynn Stefanowitz, Dr. Eric Berger, Dr. Ramon Solhkhah, Dr. Christopher Doumas, Dr. Raymond Hanbury. From Left to Right sitting: Joanne Napoli, Susan Miller, Jessica Steinwurtzel, Dr. Stacy Doumas, Pat Hanbury
Ramon Solhkhah, M.D., Chairman of Psychiatry, Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Corporate Medical Director, Meridian Behavioral Health Services was honored for his tremendous efforts to advocate, educate, and treat those affected by mental illness and drug addiction in Monmouth County. Award presenter and MHA Operating Board Vice President, Susan TelloneMcCoy stated, “Our communities have been in crisis with suicide, storm Sandy and the heroin epidemic. Crisis can be defined as an opportunity for change, but you need someone strong enough to stand up for that change, and Dr. Solhkhah has been that person for our County. He sends a strong message that addiction is not a choice, it is an illness.”
Eleanor Galiano; John Galiano, MHA Board of Directors; Clare and William McCoy; Tom Schember, MHA Board of Directors President; Barbara Schember
MHA would like to thank all of the sponsors, underwriters, and contributors that made this event possible. Event sponsors and underwriters were Meridian Health, Manasquan Savings Bank, Springpoint Senior Living, George & Ruth Harms Foundation, Gebroe Hammer Associates, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Bank, Manasquan High School Endowment Fund, and the Manasquan High School student body who raised funds online in support of MHA’s Fall Celebracíon. MHA would like to thank the members of the event committee who were MHA Foundation Board members and co-chairs Nancy Pearson and Donna Crosson of Rumson; MHA Foundation Board members, Ernesto Cullari of Asbury Park, Stacey Donovan of Middletown, Ruth Palacio of Fair Haven; MHA Foundation Board President George Whitelaw of Locust; MHA Operating Board Member Joan Konopka of Toms River; and Operating Board Vice President Susan Tellone-McCoy of Manasquan. Other members of the committee are MHA’s Executive Director Wendy DePedro of Belmar, Courtenay Adams of Rumson, Linda Baxendale of Manasquan, Patti Bossone of Manasquan, Christin Cosimano of Little Silver, Abbi Finch of Holmdel, Eva Kelly of Little Silver, Jennifer McGagh of Little Silver, Megan Ross of Rumson, Kate Sharkey of Atlantic Highlands, and Pedro Trivella of Asbury Park.
Ryan and Eva Kelly of Little Silver, Christin and Chris Cosimano of Little Silver
About The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHA): The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHA) has been providing advocacy and services to families in Monmouth County for over 64 years. MHA is dedicated to promoting mental health and wellness and improving the care and treatment of persons affected by mental illness. MHA strives to accomplish this mission through the creation and implementation of innovative programs, education, advocacy, and community partnerships.
Susan Carlson of Manasquan, Kathy Weston of Manasquan, Larry Thees of Manasquan
For more information or to get involved, please visit www.mentalhealthmonmouth.org, like us on Facebook, or call 732-542-6422.
The County Woman Magazine www.TheCountyWoman.com
January/February 2015