Mental health symposium described as a success

Middletown — The Masterson Steering Committee recently hosted another successful Jeanne E. Jonas Profeesinal Development Symposium and Frank W. Masterson Memorial Banquet, held on Oct. 17 at Kuhl’s Highland House. Sherry Cole, Director of Operations, Middletown Division of Rockland Psychiatric Center was honored with the Frank W. Masterson distinguished Service Award, for her many years of dedicated professional service in the mental health services system in Orange County. In particular, she was recognized for her contributions in managing the daily operation of the psychiatric center during a period of transition that was one of the most challenging in the hospital’s 132 year history, including overseeing the recent re-deployment, reorientation and retraining of more than 100 state staff who were transferred to new state-operated community service programs, substantially enriching our local continuum of care. Jeff Keller, Deputy Director of National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York State, was the keynote speaker for the Symposium. The topic was The Value and Impact of Educating, Supporting and Collaborating with Families of Service Recipients.