The National Association of the Dually Diagnosed (NADD), a nonprofit association of individuals, families and support professionals dedicated to enhancing the understanding and treatment of people experiencing co-occurring intellectual/developmental diagnoses (IDD) and mental health conditions, has awarded Central Georgia’s River Edge Behavioral Health (River Edge) Direct Support Professional (DSP) Jessica Edwards, CNA, the NADD DSP Award for Excellence.
The DSP Award for Excellence is given annually to acknowledge a DSP whose contribution to supporting people who live in our communities has resulted in significant improvement in the quality of life for individuals with IDD and mental health needs. This is Edward’s second national award this year for outstanding work in the field of Direct Support Professionals.
Edwards was awarded the 2024 Georgia Direct Support Professional of the Year by The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), the leading voice in Washington for community-based disability services providers, back in April.
“River Edge Behavioral Health is extremely proud of Jessica. We are thrilled to celebrate her national recognitions from NADD and ANCOR. We are honored and proud that her dedication is significantly impacting the quality of life for the better of the individuals of Central Georgia who we support with co-occurring intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental health conditions,” said Cass Hatcher, River Edge Behavioral Health Chief Executive Officer. “This leaves no doubt that she is one of the best in her field and appropriately reflects her endless dedication and care for the individuals we serve.”
The NADD Annual Conference was held on October 9, 2024, in Tempe, Arizona. This year’s theme was “A View to the Future: Innovation and Excellence.”
Those nominated for the NADD award had to meet the criteria of demonstrating dedication, advocacy, compassion, competence, person-centered approaches and collaboration resulting in improved quality of life, health and wellness and/or opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs.
NADD’s mission is to promote leadership in the expansion of knowledge, training, policy and advocacy for mental health practices that promote a quality life for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions (IDD/MI) in their communities.
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