YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – In recognition of Mental Health Month, the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board honored this year’s Mental Health and Recovery Award winners at its annual recognition luncheon Friday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Social Hall.
This year’s honorees were nominated by residents and leaders of Mahoning County for their service to the county’s system of care. The 2026 award recipients are:
- Support Staff of the Year: Jasmine Phillips, Meridian Healthcare.
- Front Line Staff of the Year: Keona White, MYCAP; and Douglas Doyle, Direction Home of Eastern Ohio.
- Program of the Year: Safe Haven Baby Box, Austintown Township.
- Leader of the Year: Chief Todd Werth, Boardman Police Department.
- Child Advocate of the Year: Paul Garchar, Potential Development.
- Adult Advocate of the Year: Patricia Latimer, Mahoning County Community Support Network.
- CIT Officer of the Year: Reserve Officer Kathy Dina, Austintown Police Department.
- Eagle Award: Kathleen Harley, Mercy Health.
In addition to the annual awards, a special award was given to Marla Golec for 20 years of service to the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board.
“On behalf of the board and our staff, I am pleased to recognize this year’s group of outstanding winners,” said Duane Piccirilli, executive director of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board. “This year’s winners are just some of the many professionals working tirelessly throughout our mental health and recovery system to make our community better.”
Pictured at top: Kathleen Harley, Jasmine Phillips, Paul Garchar, Todd Werth, Mark D’Apolito, Monia Gavins, Douglas Doyle, Keona White and Kathy Dina.