In the late 2000s there was a growing awareness of the need for suicide prevention in the community.  Not being one to shy away from important topics, Donna jumped at the chance to form suicide prevention coalitions in Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin counties.  When Mental Health First Aid rolled out, Donna was one of the first people to be trained in both adult and youth content.  She has been recognized by the National Council as one of the top trainers in the nation.

 

In 2019, PVFF recognized the changing landscape of prevention and shifted focus to provide programming for all ages in areas of parenting, substance use prevention, mental health, suicide prevention, and postvention services.  At the same time, PVFF changed its name to Prevention Awareness Support Services (PASS).  

 

Additionally, PASS opened an office in Union County to provide prevention services to its residents. Donna was so passionate about opening the satellite office, she drove 60 miles each way for an entire year to open and grow that office into a thriving prevention provider in Union county.  

 

Donna’s hard work resulted in PASS growing from one full-time employee in 2005 to 23 full-time employees in 2020.  Donna entered a new chapter of life by dropping back to part-time to enjoy semi-retirement in July 2020.  She continues to teach Mental Health First Aid in our communities.

 

We cannot think of a more deserving person for this award for working upstream, at times, to promote prevention efforts not only in Lima and surrounding counties but pressing for expanded services in Union County.

 

The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board has been honored to work with Donna for many years. We owe Donna a significant amount of gratitude for all the prevention services she has created and delivered to our residents. Congratulations Donna, your passion and work have been phenomenal.