FREEPORT – A Heroes in the Fight awards ceremony was held at the Harraseeket Inn on Sept. 14. The Crisis Response Team of Oxford County Mental Health Services received the Treatment Team Award from NAMI-ME in recognition of the exemplary care and support of mental health consumers and their families.

Accepting the award on behalf of the team was Marylena McDermott, team leader, team members Libby Bernier-Michaud, Jill Catburn and Charlie Biggers and Ron McHugh, executive director of Oxford County Mental Health Services.

The Heroes in the Fight Program is a national program sponsored by Eli Lilly and Co. and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. NAMI-ME Executive Director Carol Carothers organized the program to recognize the efforts of individuals, agencies and teams of professionals who represent the best efforts in the fight against mental illness.

The ceremony was an evening devoted to recognizing people across the state who make contributions to improving the lives of people afflicted by mental illness.

Members of the crisis team were also honored at a dinner meeting of the OCMHS board of directors on Sept. 25 at 150 Congress St. Peter Robichaud, board president, thanked the crisis team for the care they have provided to their clients over the years.

Oxford County Mental Health Services is the sole provider of outpatient and inpatient crisis services in Oxford County. The agency has offices in Rumford and South Paris and employs 40 people. In May 2006, Gov. John Baldacci opened the Jane deFrees Health Center at 150 Congress St., Rumford, a state-of-the-art inpatient mental health program. Crisis services are available at all times by calling 364-3030, 1-800-335-9999 or 1-888-568-1112.