MANSFIELD — Roeliff Brinkerhoff firmly believed in the reform of the asylum system.
A Mansfield resident, the Civil War general succeeded former President Rutherford B. Hayes as president of the American National Prison Congress — advocating for better treatment of the mentally ill and prisoners.
In 2013, the Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board created an award in Brinkerhoff’s name. He was posthumously honored as the award’s first recipient.
Mary Kay Pierce, retired executive director and co-founder of NAMI Richland County, was announced Tuesday as the 2024 Brinkerhoff Award recipient during the annual MHRS board meeting.
Unable to attend Tuesday’s meeting, Pierce’s son, Jon, accepted the award on his mother’s behalf and spoke to those in attendance at the Kobacker Room of DLX.
“Today we recognize her unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in supporting and uplifting those affected by mental health challenges,” he said.
“My mom, who started with an office at the Mental Health board, has evolved into a beacon of hope and strength for many. Her journey began with a deep-seeded commitment to ensure that no individual felt alone in their strides.”
Pierce used her voice to ‘educate and inform’
Pierce served 22 years as NAMI Richland County’s executive director, working to remove the stigma which comes with mental illness.
She provided resources and support for families and friends of those suffering from mental illness to help them understand and assist their loved ones in times of need.
Her journey in the field of mental health was inspired by her brother being diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Pierce has since tried to use her voice to educate and inform the public about the need for advocacy, care and support of people living with a mental health diagnosis.
Through Pierce’s dedication, more than 650 first responders have been trained by NAMI and the MHRS board in crisis intervention team training.
Additionally, she worked with community partners to create the local Assisted Outpatient Treatment program in Probate Court. She also implemented NAMI Connections Support Group, NAMI on Campus and Ending the Silence program.
Pierce was previously awarded the Consumer Advocate of the Year Award by the Ohio Society for Healthcare Consumer Advocacy.
Founding NAMI Richland County in 1998, she’s now traveling the country with her husband and their pet. Pierce retired as NAMI’s executive director in November 2023.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to lead NAMI of Richland County and serve our families and the community,” she wrote in Tuesday’s meeting agenda.
NAMI selects Officer Brian Evans Crisis Intervention Team Award recipient
Aubrie Hall, executive director of NAMI Richland County, was invited to announce the winner of this year’s Officer Brian Evans Crisis Intervention Team Award.
Hall said Evans had a strong passion for the lives of the individuals that NAMI serves, who live and struggle with mental illness every day.
Officer Mark Boggs of the Mansfield Police Department was chosen as the 2024 recipient of the annual award.
Katie Reitler, a member of NAMI’s Board of Directors, said Boggs was chosen to receive the award for the patience and compassion he displayed during his response to a mental-health crisis.
One of Reitler’s clients was experiencing psychotic symptoms, among other mental health challenges, and was no longer considered to be safe on their own.
“I called dispatch. We needed a police officer to come transfer her to the hospital,” Reitler said, explaining the client had become “extremely agitated and upset.”
When Boggs arrived, Reitler said he “smiled and brought so much comfort” to the client.
“The entire time he (Boggs) was nothing but patient with her (the client),” she said. “I personally don’t think there’s anybody else who deserves this award more this year.”
Additional awards presented
Several additional awards were presented during Tuesday’s annual board meeting.
Cindy Lewis, Carey Vogt and Michael Sizemore each received an award recognizing them for their years of service.
Angela Parker, a board member of 25 years, received an Award of Excellence. Julie Dillion was honored for nearly 30 years of service on the board. She recently retired after serving for 29 years.
(Below are photos from Tuesday evening’s annual MHRS board meeting at the Kobacker Room of DLX.)