In 2007, the County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services (ADM) Board established awards in honor of five individuals recognized as trailblazers and advocates in the fields of mental health and addiction services. These awards are intended not only to honor the original Trailblazers, which included Drs. Fred and Penny Frese, Maggie Carroll Smith, Sister Mary Ignatia, and Dr. Bob Smith, but also to provide a forum to recognize individuals who are making similar impacts today through their innovation, service and compassion. The 2015 ADM Appreciation Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn. Nominations will be accepted through 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2015.

The Maggie Carroll Smith Advocacy Award
Maggie Carroll Smith was the Founding President of the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) of Summit County. She was admired for being a tireless advocate for those with mental illness and their families, and worked to make the mental health system more responsive and accountable. Nominees for this award have been dedicated and persuasive advocates for people in recovery.

The Drs. Fred and Penny Frese Education Award
Drs. Fred and Penny Frese continue to break down the barriers and stigma faced by those with mental illness through their advocacy and educational efforts. Nominees for this award are similarly making a significant positive impact in educating others to decrease the stigma that affects those with mental illness and/or addiction.

The Sister Ignatia Hope Award
Sister Mary Ignatia, also known as The Angel of Alcoholics Anonymous, was a pioneer in hospital-based treatment for alcoholism who was admired for her insight in recognizing alcoholism as a treatable disease. Her belief in the human spirit and quiet compassion made recovery possible for countless individuals. Nominees for this award demonstrate compassion and kindness and offer hope to inspire change in others.

The Dr. Robert Smith Innovation Award
Dr. Bob Smith, one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous and an Akron resident, believed in the basic worth of each human being. He understood that alcoholism was a difficult disease to battle, but knew that recovery was possible and that sobriety was achievable. Those nominated for this award stand out for their creativity and innovation.

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* 1. I am nominating for the:

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* 2. Your name (the person doing the nominating):

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* 3. Your telephone number:

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* 4. Your email address:

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* 5. Your mailing address:

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* 6. Name of Nominee:

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* 7. Telephone for Nominee:

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* 8. Email address for Nominee:

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* 9. Mailing Address for Nominee:

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* 10. Please use the space below to describe how the individual(s) being nominated meet the award criteria, and have demonstrated advocacy, education efforts, compassion, and/or creativity and innovation in the fields of mental health and/or addiction. (2,000 character limit.)

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