LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Michael G. O'Leary upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition by the Columbia County Commu-
nity Services Board

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its
citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr.
Michael G. O'Leary upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Columbia County Community Services Board, to be cele-
brated on Wednesday, January 26, 2011, at Kozel's Restaurant in West
Ghent, New York; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Michael O'Leary, retired as Director of Community
Services for Columbia County on June 30, 2010; he had been affiliated
with the Columbia County Department of Human Services since 1981, first
as Clinical Director of the Mental Health Center and since 1997 as
Director of Community Services; and
WHEREAS, As Director, Dr. Michael O'Leary appreciated the complexities
of individuals in his care and accepted the obligation of providing the
best services within the mental hygiene framework; he worked as an advo-
cate and supported family and consumer involvement through NAMI, provid-
er advisory groups and self help organizations; and
WHEREAS, Local initiatives under Dr. O'Leary's leadership included an
integrated treatment model for individuals with mental health and
addiction issues, services to the jail to engage inmates in treatment
through jail based outreach, screenings and assessments to reduce reci-
divism; a Suicide Prevention Task Force to examine local suicides and
implement prevention strategies and active participation in the Suicide
Awareness Walks sponsored by the American Federation for Suicide
Prevention; and
WHEREAS, Each year Dr. O'Leary, with the Columbia County Community
Services Board, would sponsor Legislative Forums which highlighted the
complex needs of individuals served through mental hygiene providers and
annual dinners in order to recognize local community members who demon-
strated a commitment to improving the lives of individuals served
through mental hygiene providers; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Nassau, New York, Dr. Michael O'Leary earned
his Master's degree in Social Work from Syracuse University and his
Doctorate from Adelphi University; he has conducted research and
published articles on topics related to pretherapy training as well as
the impact of managed care on services to the mentally ill; in addition,
he has taught graduate level human behavior theory courses and social
work practice courses for 30 years at the State University at Albany;
and
WHEREAS, The New York State Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental
Illness has recognized Dr. O'Leary for his leadership in the fight
against stigma within the community; he also serves as an officer and
committee chair with the New York State Conference of Local Mental
Hygiene Directors; and
WHEREAS, Dr. O'Leary recently received an Outstanding Achievement
Award for leadership in joint planning from the State Commissioners of
Mental Health, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services and Mental Retarda-
tion and Developmental Disabilities; and

WHEREAS. With him throughout have been his three children, all of whom
feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achieve-
ments; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Michael O'Leary's distinguished record merits the recog-
nition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body; he is a true
asset to society; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Michael G. O'Leary upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the Columbia County Community Services Board; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Michael G. O'Leary.