Karen Scherra recognized by NAMI for outstanding leadership

CINCINNATI, Ohio (Dec. 1, 2017) — The National Alliance on Mental Illness, better known as NAMI of Southwest Ohio, held its 8th Annual Evening of Hope on Nov. 1 at the Cintas Center where it announced its Excellence in Mental Health Care awards. This year, Karen Scherra, Executive Director of the Clermont County Mental Health & Recovery Board, was named one of NAMI of Southwest Ohio’s top honorees, winning Outstanding Leadership in a Community Setting.

Each year,  NAMI of Southwest Ohio recognizes those in Hamilton, Warren and Clermont counties who have demonstrated extraordinary work and advocacy on behalf of people with mental illness and their families.  The award categories include Exemplary Psychiatrist, Exemplary Therapist, Exemplary Psychiatric Nurse, Outstanding Leadership in a Community Setting, Criminal Justice/Mental Health, Crisis intervention Team Excellence, and Outstanding NAMI Volunteer.

Dr. Katherine (Katie) Schmidt, also from Clermont County who works for Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health, received the psychiatrist award.

Ms. Scherra has worked at the Board for over 25 years, and has been executive director since July 1997.  She was recognized for her commitment to the needs of those with a mental illness and her ongoing advocacy in order to obtain funding to meet those needs.  Dr. Schmidt was recognized for the skill, compassion and care with which she treats her clients. In Clermont County, Dr. Schmidt oversees the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program at the Clermont Recovery Center, and under her leadership, the MAT program now serves almost 500 individuals with an opioid addiction.

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