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Centerstone honors champions of community with banquet

MARION - Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health care, hosted its 15th annual Southern Illinois Community Champions Banquet on June 13 at Centerstone's new Medication Assisted Treatment facility, 202 S. Bentley St. in Marion.

The 2019 Southern Illinois Centerstone Community Champions Award winners were Camille Dorris with the Southern Illinois Coalition for the Homeless and Brittney Hale with Prevent Child Abuse Illinois.

The Community Champions Banquet honors community leaders who have made a difference by advancing mental health and substance use disorder services through their advocacy, leadership and service.

"For me, it is so rewarding to be able to recognize the individuals, organizations, and partners who work every day to improve the lives of those with behavioral health conditions," said John G. Markley, CEO of Centerstone. "Each of our Champions has helped many people in our communities in a meaningful way. We are so grateful for the ways they have each helped Centerstone in its mission of delivering care that changes people's lives."

Jocelyn Popit, Centerstone Director of Advancement, nominated Hale for her trainings, discussions, leadership with Creating Compassionate Communities, work with Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, and more activities that bring many community partners together.

"Brittney is a catalyst in our Southern Illinois community for mental health wellness. She seems equally to be a wellspring of information and a conductor of education, information, and activities among families and a valued contributor to the field among colleagues and professionals," Popit said.

Johanna Wichmann, clinic manager at Centerstone, nominated Dorris after working with her on the new warming center in Jackson County.

"Camille's efforts on behalf of the Southern Illinois Coalition for the Homeless to get this center operational has been a life saver for many individuals who are homeless in Jackson County and who are experiencing mental health and addiction issues," Wichmann said.

The banquet honoring the Metro-East Community Champions was held on Tuesday, June 11 from 5-7 p.m. at Centerstone's Alton facility.

The winners of the Metro-East Community Champions Awards were Cory Davenport, formerly with The Riverbender, and state Rep. Monica Bristow.

Centerstone accepted nominations for this year's Community Champions awards in February and March.