Hudson Valley Psychological Association
Upcoming CE Presentation: Adult ADHD Assessment | Saturday, May 4, 2024 - Learn More >

April 20th, 2011

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

Thanks to the hard work of 16 HVPA members who participated in the Award Selection Process, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that I am able to announce the winners of our inaugural HVPA Psychologically Healthy Community Awards. After I tell you the outcomes, I have no doubt that many of you would like to participate in the design and implementation of our May 21st Awards Reception and Ceremony. More on that at the end of this message.

First, in the category of HVPA Member, I am happy to announce that Dr. Lorinda R. Arella is this year's winner. With her leadership, the hvpa.org website was designed and launched, a feat that has increased our association's visibility in the mental health community and allowed consumers to seek out different forms of mental health treatment and educational information. Moreover, under her leadership, The Veteran Family Support Alliance (VETFAMSA) was founded to ease and assure the flow of support services to returning veterans in the Hudson Valley. Congratulations, Lori!

Second, in the category of Community Member, we have two winners. Ms. Christina Vertullo is being honored for her longstanding and far-reaching volunteer work in supporting sufferers of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Mr. John Flowers is being recognized for his amazing community work that has helped keep families strong and united.

Third, in the category of Single Organizations, we have three winners: The Town of Fishkill Police Department for their above-and-beyond work in helping families in crisis; the Poughkeepsie Journal for its focused coverage on domestic violence that has influenced important legal changes; and The Oncology Support System at Benedictine Hospital for its wide-ranging array of services that psychologically support those with cancer.

In addition, the Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse will be honored with an Award for Meritorious Achievement for its many educational programs and its comprehensive prevention and intervention services.

Fourth, in the category of Collaborative Effort Across Organizations, the winner is the Children's Mental Health Book Project. This all-volunteer effort placed a collection of child friendly books about mental illness into many of the children’s libraries in Dutchess County.

The Award Selection Committee also voted to present two other collaborative efforts with an Award for Meritorious Achievement. The first is VETFAMSA, a growing coalition of support services for returning veterans and their families, and the second is A Collaborative Project to Heal Families of Domestic Violence. The latter represents an innovative collaboration among five agencies: The Children's Home of Poughkeepsie, Astor Services for Children and Families, the Dutchess County Department of Social Services, Family Services, Inc., and the Dutchess County Department of Mental Hygiene.

Congratulations to all!

Cheers,
Lenore Strocchia-Rivera, Ph.D.
HVPA President