James Plastiras Director of Public Information New York State Office of Mental Health 518-474-6540 james.plastiras@omh.ny.gov

May 30, 2019

OMH Recognizes Fran Mellow of Family Service League for her Service to the Community

 

Albany, NY – The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is honoring Fran Mellow, Division Director at Family Service League in Suffolk County, as a recipient of the inaugural OMH Community Care Awards.
 
These awards are given during May – Mental Health Awareness Month – to recognize the extraordinary achievements of individuals and organizations who have furthered the OMH mission and made a positive contribution to the mental health system in their communities.
 
OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan, said, “OMH is fortunate to have many great partners across the State who are helping us reshape state and local mental health systems by enhancing community-based services, improving the delivery of care and health outcomes for consumers. Fran Mellow of Family Service League has helped so many vulnerable people and families get the services they need, and we truly appreciate her vision, her values, and the role she plays in helping us to fulfill our mission.”

Ms. Mellow said, “I am so fortunate to have had the privilege of working with youth and families for the past 20 years.  My advocacy and commitment to quality care have been fueled by the amazing families served throughout the programs I oversee. Nothing is more important than helping a child get the care they need and deserve to grow up as healthy and fulfilled adults. I am so thankful to have a great team at Family Service League, and supportive partners at the NYS Office of Mental Health.”

Ms. Mellow was nominated for her work as a strong advocate for the families served by the organization, anticipating and identifying potential challenges in the service delivery system, and raising these concerns to county and state partners. She is a staple at local children and youth serving meetings, such as the Children’s Roundtable, and can always be counted on to not only voice concerns but to also work proactively to address those concerns. Colleagues have praised her for consistently setting expectations for her organization’s programs that meet – and often exceed – best practices set forth by OMH.
 
This high quality of care is evident in program outcomes, OMH reviews, and family feedback.  Because of her leadership, she has been able to sustain positive outcomes that speak to the wellness of the families she and her staff serve.
 
The Community Care Awards were created in 2019 to highlight OMH’s partners and stakeholders in local communities across the State that are helping to identify and eliminate gaps in services, and are working to build strong community-based behavioral healthcare systems.  Input from these local partners helps OMH better understand regional needs and implement programs that will help people on the road to recovery from mental illness live their lives with a greater degree of independence and dignity.
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