AUBURN – Common Ties Mental Health will honor Laurie Cyr-Martel of the Lewiston Police Department and the Department of Health and Human Services with its annual Kelsey Award for Quality and Excellence at its 20th annual meeting at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 24, at the Auburn Public Library.

Each year, Common Ties recognizes an individual or group that has made an exceptional contribution to the community and its citizens who have a mental Illness. The Kelsey Award recognizes personal achievements or contributions to healthier communities in ways and means benefiting persons living with a mental health illness.

Since 2000, Cyr-Martel has worked on the night shift in the city, assisting officers and residents who are in crisis or experiencing conflict in their life.

Cyr-Martel joined the department as a result of a joint venture with the Department of Health and Human Services to bring to the city the necessary resources to those who may need special care to get through a crisis.

Cyr-Martel has authored “Responding to Emotionally Disturbed Persons: A Manual for Law Enforcement Personnel,” bringing information to the law enforcement community about dealing with those individuals who present to the officer in distress.

All are welcome to attend the awards and recognition event by calling 795-6044, ext. 3.

Common Ties Mental Health provides community integration services throughout Androscoggin County for persons who have a serious mental illness.