New York State is honoring Deirdre Sferrazza, vice president of Children's Services at Greater Mental Health of New York with the 2025 ‘What’s Great in our State’ Lifetime Achievement Award, which is awarded annually to recognize professionals and volunteers who have shown a lifetime commitment to strengthening the mental health. Sferrazza was presented the award Tuesday during the event in Albany and celebrated for her commitment to improving children’s mental health throughout the Hudson Valley.

“Deirdre Sferrazza demonstrates ‘What’s Great in Our State’ through a career of collaboration and innovation, which has made a lasting difference in the lives of children, youth, young adults, and families,” state Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “Her advocacy, leadership, and tireless work continue to drive forward the movement for better, more accessible mental health services for everyone. We thank Deirdre for her commitment and unwavering dedication to children’s mental health.”

Sferrazza has been an outstanding advocate and champion for promoting the mental health and well-being of children, youth, young adults, and families through her work with Greater Mental Health of New York –formerly known as the Mental Health Association of Westchester. Now serving as vice president of Care Management and Children’s Services, she oversees nearly 20 programs serving more than 650 youth and families.

From care management and support services to clinical community-based programs to child welfare services, Sferrazza oversees a wide breadth of supports for children, youth, and families. Those connected to Greater Mental Health services are often the highest risk, hardest to engage, and most vulnerable individuals, including navigating profound challenges –histories of trauma, abuse, neglect, and mental health crises.

“I am deeply honored to be presented with What's Great in Our State Award in the Lifetime Category and it has been a tremendous privilege to dedicate my 30-year career to serving children, youth, and their families,” Sferrazza said. Providing the right support at the right time can drastically improve the trajectory of a young person's mental health and well-being. I am proud to work with such a dedicated and compassionate team.

Established in 2010, ‘What’s Great in Our State’ recognizes individuals and programs that are successfully advancing the cause of children’s mental health in New York State and is celebrated annually during Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. The day-long conference in Albany features a ceremony recognizing honorees, in-person and virtual workshops, and an art show featuring artwork created by children receiving services from New York State’s mental health system.

The event is sponsored by the state Office of Mental Health, Department of Health, Department of Education, Office of Children and Family Services and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports. In addition, several children’s mental health advocacy organizations sponsor the event, including the Council on Children and Families, the Early Care & Learning Council, Families Together in New York State, Inc., Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc., National Alliance on Mental Illness - New York State, New York State Network for Youth Success, Prevent Child Abuse New York, and the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc.