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.