State recognizes Capital Region Mental Health Commissioner
ALBANY, N.Y. » New York State is honoring Katherine G. Alonge-Coons, the Rensselaer County Mental Health Commissioner, with the 2021 ‘What’s Great in our State’ Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Lifetime Achievement award is given annually to recognize professionals and volunteers who have shown a lifetime commitment to strengthening the mental health of children, youth, and families. It includes those who have worked in the development, administration, or delivery of mental health services.
Alonge-Coons is being recognized for her career-long dedication to direct care, advocacy, and the oversight of programs for youth struggling with mental health issues. She began her career more than 30 years ago in Rensselaer County as a child and adolescent therapist and then moved into the newly formed Intensive Case Management Program (ICM).
She developed and expanded the program in Rensselaer County and became a resource for children’s ICM programs across NYS.
Alonge-Coons developed the children’s single point of entry team for the county and nurtured the development of the parent advocacy program and the youth advocate program. Today, she serves as the Rensselaer County Mental Health Commissioner and as the Chairperson of the NYS Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors.
“Katherine G. Alonge-Coons show us ‘What’s Great in Our State’ by impacting thousands of families with her advocacy and program development efforts on state and local levels,” New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan stated.
“Her passion for helping children and families in New York State has helped influence policy, programming, and funding for children’s mental health. We thank Katherine and all our honorees for their hard work and commitment to children’s mental health,” Sullivan noted.
Alonge-Coons was presented with the award at the annual ‘What’s Great in our State 2021’ event on May 4, held virtually via Zoom. The celebration recognizes the individuals and programs that are successfully advancing the cause of children’s mental health in New York State.
“I am humbled to be this year’s recipient of the lifetime achievement award in recognition of the work I have accomplished in the field of Children’s Mental Health,” Alonge-Coons, Mental Health Commissioner for Rensselaer County, remarked.
“I have been privileged over the years to provide direct service to numerous children, youth, and families, and have learned much from each and every one of them. Now in the Administration of services, I strive to uphold the voice of those we serve. There is much work yet to be done, and this may only be accomplished through collaborative and respectful relationships involving all. I look forward to continuing efforts to innovatively deliver care/services and strive to fulfill all that this award represents,” Alonge-Coons added.