FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Pete Winton, Lee County Administration
              (239) 335-2777

THREE HUMAN SERVICES EMPLOYEES GARNER AWARDS FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

FORT MYERS, Fla. (November 4, 2004) - Ann Arnall, Deputy Director of Lee County's Department of Human Services has received the 2004 "Advocate of the Year" Award from the Ruth Cooper Center.

Arnall was honored for demonstrating "outstanding leadership in the implementation of Partners In Crisis, the mental health court, and Crisis Intervention Training for law enforcement. She never stops advocating for the individuals with severe and persistent mental illness."

For 30 years the Ruth Cooper Center for Behavioral Health has offered essential community services that range from short-term intensive inpatient treatment to residential, outpatient, and community-based programs.

The center also honored Karen Hawes, the county's Human Services Director, with a "Special Recognition Award" for demonstrating "outstanding leadership within the community, and being an avid supporter of Ruth Cooper Center and the issues surrounding mental health awareness in our community."

Additionally, Roger Mercado, Human Services Program Manager for Neighborhood Building, has received the 2004 "Volunteer of the Year" Award from the American Cancer Society of Lee County (ACS). Mercado was honored for his hard work and dedication to the mission of the ACS and his efforts were recognized as a tribute to cancer patients everywhere.