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20 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday September 12, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com It takes a team effort to realize goals Continued from page 16 among youth in the Halton region," Doherty said. "That's not acceptable." Doherty was nominated for the national award by her colleagues at CMHA, Halton branch. Cecilia Marie Flynn, manager, mental health education and marketing with the regional branch, wrote the nomination letter. She said Doherty is the perfect candidate for the award. "The staff nominated her for this national award to recognize her in a meaningful way, as we felt that her contribution in Halton had been significant," she said. "Diane has a way of bringing people together that need to be at a table to talk about a solution, so she was key in co-ordinating a number of committees that really changed the way the community works together in Halton around mental health issues." Among the praise in the letter and list of accomplishments is the recognition of the difference Doherty has made. "Diane believes in community and her work in Halton has contributed greatly to building a healthy environment for stakeholders to come together to assess gaps in service, create solutions "It gives you a warm feeling in your heart to see things really come together and see people being helped. But what I accomplished was really the result of a team effort." Diane Doherty, retired CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association, Halton and work together to better meet the needs of clients and families in Halton," wrote Flynn in the nomination letter. "The result has been a greater understanding across health, justice and community of the issues of mental illness and mental health recovery. The relationships and partnerships that Diane has been successful in nurturing have definitely contributed to the vision of mentally healthy people in mentally healthy society." Doherty admits that it took long days to accomplish the many milestones at CMHA, Halton branch. She said she spent many late nights at the office, but that it was worth every minute of overtime. "I just want to make a difference while I'm here on this earth," she said. "We're here for such a short time, so I like to work with people and help them to make things better. It gives you a warm feeling in your heart to see things really come together and see people being helped. But what I accomplished was really the result of a team effort. I couldn't have done it on my own." The former CEO said she hopes that CMHA, Halton branch will continue to build on the foundations she's helped lay. "I've created a nucleus of programs, but there's a lot that still needs to be done, so I hope they will fill more gaps in service and move forward," she said. Although she is now enjoying retirement, Doherty said she will remain active in the local mental health field. "I've been working for 39 years, so it was time to retire, but I'm still going to continue as a volunteer with the Suicide Prevention Coalition, and some of the other agencies have asked me to be involved in different capacities with them, so I'll continue working in Halton, doing what I can," she said. For information on CMHA, Halton branch and its programs and services, go to www.cmha-halton.ca. Give your family the best. No Sugar or Preservatives. Our White, Whole Wheat and Multigrain breads have no added sugar and no preservatives, so they're better for you and your family. Visit us at: 00330 Lakeshore 167 Lakeshore Road East Tel: (905) 339.2690 Upper Oakville Unit C7,1011 Upper Middle E Tel: (905) 844.2627