Honor Mark O'Brien Award

Senate Resolution No. 1581 BY: Senator RANZENHOFER HONORING Mark O'Brien, LCSW-R upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Constance E. Miller Award of Excellence by the Mental Health Association of Genesee and Orleans Counties WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Mark O'Brien, LCSW-R upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Constance E. Miller Award of Excellence by the Mental Health Association of Genesee and Orleans Counties, to be celebrated at its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at Terry Hills Restaurant & Banquet Facility in Batavia, New York; and WHEREAS, This prestigious award is given annually to an individual or an organization which demonstrates a commitment to excellence pertinent to the delivery and/or advocacy of quality community-based mental health services within Genesee or Orleans County; and WHEREAS, Mark O'Brien began his long and distinguished career in mental health as the CEO of Hopevale Inc., a residential treatment facility for adolescents; he also worked with Buffalo General Hospital's behavioral health programs; and WHEREAS, In August of 2010, Mark O'Brien became the Clinic Coordinator of the Orleans County Department of Mental Health and Community Services; three years later, he was promoted to the title of Director; and WHEREAS, In this capacity, Mark O'Brien has expanded treatment services to include satellite mental health treatment sites in all five school districts in the county, and is currently leading a similar initiative to expand mental health treatment sites into local primary care physician offices; and WHEREAS, In addition to his work with the County, Mark O'Brien has a private psychotherapy practice in Tonawanda, New York, where he specializes in working with adult survivors of sexual abuse; and WHEREAS, Mark O'Brien also serves as an educator in the Diocese of Buffalo Pastoral Care Program; for his steadfast and unremitting commitment to the youth and families of Orleans County, he was the recipient of the 2008 Bishop McNulty Award; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Mark O'Brien has displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Mark O'Brien, LCSW-R upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Constance E. Miller Award of Excellence by the Mental Health Association of Genesee and Orleans Counties; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Mark O'Brien, LCSW-R.