LEWISTON — Tri-County Mental Health Services honored the Sexual Assault Crisis Center and Dr. Owen Buck with its highest awards during the agency’s annual meeting, held in Auburn on Oct. 20. The crowd of more than 130 people gave standing ovations for both awardees in recognition of their extraordinary work in the community.

The Sexual Assault Crisis Center, currently celebrating 25 years of working on behalf of women and men who have experienced violence, received The Giving Voice Award.

“This is a group of very dedicated individuals who work beyond the 9 to 5 job. They work with victims of the most intrusive violence that could ever happen to anyone,” said Thelma Gurschick, the Tri-County Mental Health Services employee who nominated the center and also volunteers on their crisis line.

“I am proud to recommend this organization because I am living proof that their work can and does make a difference in someone’s life,” she said.

Dr. Owen Buck, staff psychiatrist, received The Inspiration Award for excellence and exemplary commitment to consumers and to achieving the mission of Tri-County Mental Health Services.

Catherine Ryder, clinical director, presented the award. She said, “Anyone who has ever had the privilege of working alongside Owen, knows that they will experience the clinical excellence and profound humility that are the make-up of this very special individual. What a wonderful world it would be if all people in need of care could find such a provider.”

Executive Director Chris Copeland reviewed accomplishments of the past year and acknowledged the commitment of employees.

“Forty-three out of our 500 plus employees this year observed 5-, 10-, 15-year anniversaries. Just this group represent more than 300 years of experience. In the words of one of our board members, that kind of intellectual and human capital is enormously valuable for the people we serve and for our community. It truly is the key to our success,” he said.

Other highlights of the annual meeting included a presentation by Elsie Freeman, MD, MPH, medical director for the Department of Health and Human Services, on the topic of “Mental Illness, Health Risk and Integrated Solutions.”

The board of directors elected the following officers and members for the coming year: Dan Moreno, Auburn, first vice president; N. Paul Gauvreau, Lewiston, second vice president; Deborah Simpson, Auburn, secretary; Roberta Lane, Auburn, treasurer; Mike Williams, Auburn, clerk; Chris Copeland, Peru; Patricia Burke, West Baldwin; Christopher DeMerchant, Lewiston; John Geismar, Minot; Craig Gunderson, Falmouth; Peter Letourneau, Auburn; Jolene Lovejoy, Rumford; and newly appointed Melinda Mackenzie, Lewiston.

For more information on Tri-County Mental Health Services, visit www.tcmhs.org.