AUGUSTA – Kennebec Behavioral Health leaders were recently recognized with professional awards.
At the 2021 Maine Prevention Professionals Conference on May 19, Robert Rogers received the 2021 Neill E. Miner Memorial Prevention Award. The award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution in the field of prevention. Rogers has been at the forefront of many initiatives and approaches to evidence-based prevention in Maine, according to a news release from KBH.
His vast experience across the continuum from prevention-intervention-treatment-and recovery has enabled countless professionals to do this work effectively and with purpose. He has been able to forge a unique bridge between the prevention and treatment disciplines, utilizing his knowledge and experience of the latter, to inform best needs and practices in the former.
“Rob is an extraordinary prevention professional who has made significant contributions to the field and positively impacted the lives of countless youth and adults throughout Central Maine” said Tom McAdam, KBH chief executive officer. The award was extra special in that a surprise guest, McKenna Rogers, Rogers’ daughter, who also works in behavioral health, presented him with the award.
At the Co-Occurring Collaborative Serving Maine Annual Summit on May 6, the Visionary Leadership award was presented to Dr. Alane O’Connor. O’Connor is the first director of perinatal addiction treatment at Maine Medical Center, serving pregnant women in the Portland area. O’Connor also provides addiction medicine through Kennebec Behavioral Health’s Opioid Health Home in Skowhegan and is chair of Maine’s Opioid Response Clinical Advisory Committee.
CCSME’s Visionary Leadership Award recognizes an individual, organization or an initiative in the behavioral health care field who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in improving the lives of individuals with mental illnesses and substance use disorders and/or their communities.
“For her dedication to advance the quality of substance use treatment and raising awareness to the needs of pregnant and parenting women living with this disease.” said Liam Shaw, CCSME board member.
Kennebec Behavioral Health operates clinics in Waterville, Skowhegan, Winthrop, Augusta and Farmington. For more information, or to schedule an appointment for any KBH service, call 1-888-322-2136. Information can also be found at www.kbhmaine.org.