Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services Board of Summit County

Andrea Denton Receives Community Service Award.
04/23/2012

Congratulations to Andrea Denton, ADM Board Client Rights Coordinator, who was recognized by Community Support Services at their annual dinner last week. Andy was named as the recipient of the 2012 Community Support award which was presented by Terry Dalton, CEO of Community Support Services.

The following is an excerpt from Mr. Dalton’s comments during the presentation:

"Known to most of us as “ANDY”, Andrea Denton embodies the word “Inspiration”. With warmth, honesty, optimism and gentle, good humor, Andy has been one of our community’s strongest advocates for individuals with mental illnesses.

After a career in elementary education, Andy became involved with SUPPORT, Inc. (our original agency name) where she helped people in crisis; trained community volunteers to do the same; provided outreach to suicide attempt survivors and implemented on of our area’s first school-based suicide prevention programs. Andy started the first Survivors of Suicide support group, for those who have lost a loved one to suicide, in Ohio and continues to facilitate this group.

Community Support Services was privileged to have Andy as an employee of the agency for many years where she worked tirelessly as an advocate and educator. Her journey has continued at the Summit County ADM Board where she remains a strong supporter of the agency and the clients we serve. Andy has been a vital part of the annual Celebration Recovery event since its inception.

She works collaboratively with all of the Summit County ADM Board affiliated agencies in advocating on behalf of clients and addressing their concerns as part of the system’s Client Rights activities.

In 2005, Andy was one of the driving forces behind the formation of the county’s Suicide Prevention Coalition. Through her leadership, wisdom and energy, the Coalition has brought together a wide range of concerned individuals to address one of our most pressing public health problems.

Andy has touched the lives of thousands of persons as a mentor, advocate, crisis interventionist, consultant and healer. In our community no one has been more tireless, passionate or dedicated to helping people. Andy is, in a word, inspirational."