Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 20, 1993                   TAG: 9305200505
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: W-11   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION NAMES ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS

Community service awards were given to Christ Episcopal Church, Roanoke public schools and the Kiwanis clubs of Botetourt County and Roanoke.

Christ Church has sponsored the Star City Social Club for 45 mentally disabled adults for the past 11 years. Roanoke schools were honored for their co-sponsorship of the Parent-Child Seminar and programs that demonstrate commitment to mental health concerns. The Kiwanis clubs were honored for financial support of the "Very Important Kid" self-esteem program for preschoolers.

Shenandoah Life Insurance Co. was named employer of the year for establishing a wellness committee and for providing an Employee Assistance Program with liberal counseling benefits.

Joe Kennedy, a staff writer for the Roanoke Times & World-News, won the Media Award for his articles on parenting skills and children's mental health issues.

Dr. Marc Nevin, a physician with the West Salem Family Practice Center, was honored for sensitivity and expertise in identifying, treating and referring his patients who may need mental health services.

State Sen. Malfourd "Bo" Trumbo (R-Fincastle) was honored for his interest in children's services and his willingness to learn more about mental health insurance coverage and other mental health advocacy issues.

The Rev. Branan Thompson, pastor of Colonial Avenue Baptist Church, received the Robert A. Croxson Memorial Award for his leadership of the Physician-Clergy Dialogue.

Edna Sifford and Carroll Bayne Manley won Unsung Hero awards for their behind-the-scenes efforts with the Mental Health Association.

Gudrun Freeman received the Distinguished Service Award for leading the association's advocacy efforts for changes in mental health insurance coverage.

Susan McDonald was named Committee Chair of the Year for her leadership of the association's Mental Health Professional Advisory Committee, which organized a conference on sexual abuse and a seminar on clergy/mental health issues.

Marion Kunkle was named Volunteer of the Year for serving as secretary of the association's board of directors and for helping with health fairs and other association-sponsored programs and activities.