The Alabama Council of Community Mental Health Boards recently honored Helen Hinson as the 2012 recipient of the Georgia Vallery Award. The Georgia Vallery Award was established by the Alabama Council of Community Mental Health Boards to recognize the efforts of volunteers in providing services to citizens of Alabama.

Georgia Vallery was an advocate for the mentally ill for many years. Her service touched not only the East Alabama area where she lived, but extended throughout the state, region and nation. The memory of her leadership continues to inspire citizens to work for a system of care available to individuals regardless of where they live.

Mrs. Hinson was first appointed to the board of South Central Alabama Mental Health in 1985 by the Andalusia City Council. Even before she became a board member she served eight years as a crisis line volunteer from 1977 through 1985. She has served two terms as president of the board and seven terms as secretary. She is currently a member of the executive committee of the board and is dedicated to the individuals treated for mental illness, substance abuse and the developmentally disabled.

As a former business owner, Director of Impact, and volunteer on Andalusia City Schools Foundation, Covington County Easter Seals, United Fund and Red Cross, she brings an assortment of talents to the board and is a tireless advocate for mental health. Mrs. Hinson’s dedication and knowledge of mental health in Alabama is equal only to the love she has for the consumers and families.