By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Three people from Hays were honored with mental health awards during the 2023 Kansas Recovery Conference on June 6 in Wichita.
Gina Anderson, the director of High Plains Independence in Hays, was honored with the Su and Dennis Budd Exemplary Life Award.
This award was initiated to honor two special mental health consumers whose leadership and advocacy efforts have shaped the consumer experience in Kansas. The annual award is given to consumers whose energy and spirit stand out and who encourage and inspire others on their recovery journeys.
Anderson also was honored for her six years of service with the Kansas Consumer Advisory Council.
Debra Michels of Hays was honored with the Unity Award. This award recognizes those who have successfully united consumers and non-consumers for the enhancement of their recovery in a cooperative manner. Nominations for this award were accepted from consumer-run organizations, mental health centers, clubhouse programs, individual consumers and mental health treatment providers.
Dr. Mark Romereim, Hays psychiatrist, was awarded the Chamberlain -Rapp Recovery Champion Award. This award is given annually to a mental health provider who has exhibited outstanding leadership skills on behalf of Kansas consumers and the recovery movement in the state.