State Rep. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, has been named “2018 Legislator or the Year” by the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA).
“We are pleased to recognize you for your leadership in addressing mental illness and addiction throughout Ohio and your ongoing commitment to ensuring that the constituents you serve, and the citizens of Ohio have access to critical treatment services and recovery supports,” said OACBHA CEO Cheri L. Walter, in a letter addressed to Gavarone.
“Working on ways to attack the opioid crisis and improve mental health services is one of the main reasons I sought the office of state representative,” Gavarone said. “I cannot begin to explain how touched I was when Wood County ADAMHS Director Tom Clemons reached out to tell me that I would be recognized as OACBHA’s 2018 Legislator of the Year. This is an amazing honor and I am looking forward to continuing to work with Tom and other experts to find ways to make an even bigger impact.”
The OACBHA is the statewide organization that represents the interests of Ohio’s county Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) boards at the state level. Through working with the legislature, governor and other governmental bodies, OACBHA works to provide education, develop policies and seek support for initiatives that will expand and enhance mental health and substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery support services throughout Ohio.
Gavarone will be presented with the award during OACBHA’s annual awards luncheon Jan. 29 at the Ohio Statehouse.
