Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Oregon.gov Homepage

Featured Stories

ArticleRendered

Peer Recovery Services wins 2018 Oregon Advocacy Award

Monday, March 5, 2018


Oregon State Hospital’s Peer Recovery Services Department received the 2018 Oregon Advocacy Award March 2 in Portland.

The Mental Health Association of Portland gives the award to an individual or group who advocates for people with mental illness and addiction.

Beckie Child, interim chairwoman of the OSH Advisory Board, presented the award to several members of the OSH peer recovery team during the Oregon Law & Mental Health Conference.

“The Peer Recovery Services Department often goes unsung in their work to advocate on behalf of patients at the hospital,” Child said. “The person who nominated them saw how hard they work, and for such a small department, they have impacted people’s lives in positive ways.”

Surprised by the tribute, Michael Kemp, director of the OSH Peer Recovery Services Department, said he appreciates having his team recognized for their passion and dedication.   

“They are so much a part of the people they serve,” he said. “As we continue to evolve in the recovery continuum, it’s important we recognize the importance of peer support and expand opportunities for those services.”  

The OSH Peer Services Department consists of Kemp and nine peer recovery specialists: Kris Anderson, Malcolm Aquinas, Cecilia Fiorillo, Fumiyo Nichimoto, Rick Snook, Jerry Weller and Lindsey Widmer; who work on the Salem campus; and Delilah Kennedy, who works on the Junction City campus. Each peer recovery specialist identifies as having experiences with mental illness and/or addiction.
 


AsideRendered

Members of the OSH Peer Recovery Services Department and OSH patients attended the ceremony in Portland to receive the 2018 Oregon Advocacy Award. From left to right, the attendees are Kris Anderson, Michael Kemp, Rick Snook, Cecilia Fiorillo, Keynote Speaker Judge Ginger Lerner Wren, Beckie Child, Lindsey Widmer, Daniel Kouns, Delilah Kennedy and Kelsey Moreland.


Read More