Hays Post
Three people from Hays and a Hays business were honored with awards from the Kansas Consumer Advisory Council for Adult Mental Health at the annual Kansas Recovery Conference on June 7 in Wichita.
Gina Anderson of Hays, director of the High Plains Independence, was given the Unity Award.
The award is given to those who have successfully united mental health consumers and non-consumers for the enhancement of their recovery in a cooperative manner. She was recognized for her hard work and efforts to build community partnerships. Anderson also serves her community as part of other programs at the local and state level.
Wayne Sammons of Hays was given the iLead Award. This award celebrated the life of a youth or young adult who has served their peers through mental health advocacy and education in an effort to further recovery or fight stigma.
He was nominated for his involvement in creating a youth support group at High Plains Independence in Hays. This group is free to youth and is looking for new youth to participate.
Sammons was recognized for his positive attitude and willingness to help whenever needed. Sammons continues to be a great support and leader in his community, his nomination said.
Genoa Healthcare Pharmacy in Hays, which is in the High Plains Mental Health Center building, was honored with the Kansas Businesses that Care Award.
This award recognizes a business that promotes the mental health of its employees, as well as stakeholders. It must also be involved in or support communities in Kansas. Genoa was recognized for its ongoing efforts to serve the mental health community and promote awareness of the work being done by peers.
Cristina Janney, reporter for Hays Post and Eagle Radio, was recognized with the Excellence in Media Award.
The award recognizes journalists, media outlets, television and film programs who excel in their coverage and portrayal of mental health issues in the news and entertainment media.
Janney was recognized for her ongoing support of the mental health community and local consumer run organization, High Plains Independence in Hays.
"Through her job, she has played an important role in community education by keeping people informed about mental health issues and promoting awareness of the work being done by High Plains Independence," the nomination said.
SEE RELATED STORY: From homeless to finding a family, Hays CRO helps those with mental illness
High Plains Independence, 1200 Canterbury, is one of a network of facilities throughout Kansas that are commonly known as consumer run organizations or CROs. It is funded through a grant from the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services.
The organization offers free mental health recovery classes, support groups, life skills classes, social activities and outings, employment and volunteer opportunities for the members.
The CRO is open 2 to 6 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It has about 30 members. Members can come and go as they please.