At a time when many community health facilities are struggling to find funding, the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center took time Monday to thank those who have helped support mental health in Lawrence.

“Each year provides additional funding challenges,” Bert Nash Governing Board Chairman Michael McGrew said. “We could not accomplish what we need to do without support from the citizens of Douglas County.”

The center presented awards to several people who have supported Bert Nash’s mental health programs – through donations and leadership – at its 20th Annual Pioneer Celebration at Maceli’s, 1031 N.H.

Alice Ann Johnston, the center’s Endowment Trustees chairwoman, gave her report from the trustees, saying the center was not satisfied with the $2.5 million currently in the endowment fund.

More donations, she said, mean more support locally for people with mental health problems.

“We’re pleased, but we know that it needs to grow even more,” Johnston said.

Marilyn Bittenbender received the Lyn Smith Award for Distinguished Service. Bittenbender said it was an honor to receive an award dedicated to a man she knew well and worked with. Smith served as chairman of the center’s Governing Board of Directors until his death at age 72 in February 2002.

Michael McGrew, chair of the governing board of directors for the Bert Nash Foundation, center, presents the 20th Annual Pioneer Award to Maurice and Betsy Joy during Monday evening at Maceli's, 1031 New Hampshire. The Pioneer award is presented to individuals who have made exceptional efforts to increase access to comprehensive mental health care for all Douglas County residents.

Dolph C. Simons Jr., Journal-World editor and chairman of The World Company, accepted the 2005 Pioneer Award.

Simons, who was not able to attend the ceremony in 2005, told the audience that mental illness was the country’s No. 1 disease, although the public rarely realized it.

“It’s a heck of a challenge, and there’s no simple answer,” Simons said.

But Simons said continued support of organizations like Bert Nash was the first step in solving mental health problems in communities.

Maurice and Betsy Joy won the 20th Annual Pioneer Award. They have supported the center for many years and are often at the top of the Bert Nash donors list.

But Monday night, they had the opportunity to return the praise by thanking an organization that they said Lawrence would struggle without.

“There are so many needs today for this kind of help,” Betsy Joy said. “We are lucky to have this center.”

To conclude the ceremony, Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger spoke about broader health insurance issues.

Praeger said every state and employer struggled with health care funding. Congress and different states have debated how to solve the problem, she said, but centers like Bert Nash are playing a crucial role.

“We’re grateful that we have a facility like Bert Nash,” the Lawrence native said. “That’s why people like living in Lawrence. We are a community who cares.”