FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                   

Contact:           Pete Winton, Lee County Administration

(941) 335-2777

COMMISSION CHAIRMAN JANES RECEIVES
2002 HUMAN SERVICE AWARD

FORT MYERS, Fla. (November 8, 2002) – County Commission Chairman Bob Janes has received the 2002 “Most Outstanding Public Official” Human Service Award for, among other things, his leadership in establishing Southwest Florida’s first ever Mental Health Court.

The Human Service Awards are given by the Community Coordinating Council (CCC).

The CCC represents the interests of service providers by enhancing communication and coordination of services, providing a forum for discussing pertinent social service issues and recognizing the achievements of social service professionals and organizations.

In fall 2001, Commissioner Janes became interested in doing something innovative about how the criminal justice system treats persons with a mental illness.  In researching the issue, he traveled to Broward County to learn more about its mental health court program.

Upon his return, he arranged a meeting with interested organizations to discuss the formation of such a court in Lee County.  More than 15 agencies were pulled together and, with the support of the county’s staff, a plan was developed to start the Lee County Mental Health Court.  The program is an innovative alternative to traditional justice models that incorporates diversion and treatment for those with mental illnesses who have committed minor crimes.  Through Chairman Janes’ support and leadership, the Lee County Mental Health Court Program officially began on June 25, 2002. 

Commissioner Janes also was recognized for his state and national involvement in lobbying for Medicaid funding reforms and his interest and support of Human Service programs.  He serves on the Board of Directors of the Florida Association of Counties and is vice chairman of its Health and Human Services Committee.  He also is involved in the National Association of Counties’ Health Steering Committee.  Additionally, the Florida Association of Counties has recommended him to serve on the State of Florida’s Healthy Kids Board of Directors.