Mental health center honors volunteer for years of service

Nieces accept Pioneer Award on psychiatrist's behalf

Presenter Ty Yoshida, left, watches as Judy Long O'Neal and Jan Long accept the 21st annual Pioneer Award for their uncle Max Graves, who was unable to attend. The award is given annually by the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center.

Retired psychiatrist and volunteer Max Graves received the 21st annual Pioneer Award from Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center on Monday.

“This is a small token, really, for all that he’s done for us,” said David Johnson, Bert Nash chief executive officer.

The honor, for efforts to increase mental health care access to county residents, came at the agency’s annual meeting at Maceli’s, 1031 N.H.

Graves, a Kansas native and Kansas University graduate who practiced psychiatry in Ohio before retiring to Lawrence several years ago, could not make it to the event. Two nieces received the award in his stead.

“We knew him as a pioneer long, long ago,” said niece Judy Long O’Neal, who recalled her uncle’s early years working without pay in a mental health facility. “He was ahead of his time.”

For several years, Graves, 88, has volunteered for Bert Nash.

“He has volunteered his services as a psychiatrist,” Johnson said. “Those are the most expensive services that we provide and they’re also for us the least reimbursed. He’s really made a difference for our ability to see people and provide psychiatric services.”

U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda, the keynote speaker, discussed the importance of mental health care and the need for political support and community support for services.

“Everyone has a role to play,” she said.

Also at the event, Bert Nash recognized Erv Hodges, the outgoing governing board chairman, and presented the Volunteer Award to George Pinches. The Sandra Shaw Spirit Award went to Beth Ankerholz, Bert Nash information technology director.

Bert Nash’s staff of 190 full- and part-time employees served about 8,900 clients in 2006, including about 1,400 new clients. The primary diagnosis, according to the agency’s annual report, was depression disorder.

The center’s endowment is more than $2.8 million.