PROVIDENCE CENTER CLIENT RECEIVES NATIONAL
EXCELLENCE IN CONSUMER AND FAMILY ADVOCACY AWARD

PROVIDENCE, RI (April 16, 2007) – Jonathan C. Dupre´, a client in the Community Support Services program at The Providence Center, received the 2007 Excellence in Consumer and Family Advocacy Award from The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare at its recent 37th annual training conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dupre´ was recognized for using his own experiences with mental illness to educate the public and to help others along their journey to recovery.

“Awards of Excellence winners are the people who create innovation, who inspire recovery and who make our communities and our industry better,” said Linda Rosenberg, MSW, president/CEO of the National Council. “Mr. Dupre’s is more than just a mental health advocate; he’s a crusader who’s committed to helping others recover. His work has changed lives.”

“Jonathan is well-deserving of this most

prestigious award,” said Dale K. Klatzker, president/CEO of The Providence Center. “He has overcome incredible odds. Jonathan works tirelessly to ensure that mental health consumers and their families are treated with respect and dignity. He is a true role model.”

Industry peers, including behavioral health leaders and past award recipients judged entrants for the 2007 awards.

Dupre´ is a graduate of Rhode Island College. He resides in Providence, RI.

The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare is a not-for-profit, 501(c) (3) association of 1,300 behavioral healthcare organizations that provide treatment and rehabilitation for mental illnesses and addictions disorders to nearly six million adults, children and families in communities across the country. The National Council and its members bear testimony to the fact that medical, social, psychological and rehabilitation services offered in community settings help people with mental illnesses and addiction disorders recover and lead productive lives.

The Providence Center, a community-based, outpatient behavioral health organization, annually serves over 10,000 adults, children, and adolescents who struggle with mental illness, addiction and emotional problems. Since its establishment in 1969, The Providence Center has been part of Rhode Island’s exemplary behavioral health care system offering a comprehensive array of treatment and rehabilitation services.