Talbert House Honors Three at Annual Luncheon

Nearly 75,000 impacted through direct and prevention services last year

Senator Steve Wilson with honorees Kathy Atkinson, Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco and Tony Woods

On September 25, Talbert House held its annual luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Cincinnati, celebrating the achievements of the past year and honoring three who have made an impact on the community and the agency’s mission.

Representative Brigid Kelly with the Presenting Sponsor Paycor team

The Ernest Talbert Award was presented to Deaconess Associations Inc., a diversified health care holding company managing a portfolio of health services, programs, investments, and community grant initiatives in Greater Cincinnati and across the country. Among its most visible and successful efforts are the Deaconess Health Check clinics, including those in partnership with Talbert House in Walnut Hills and coming soon in Western Hills. The integration of primary health care with Talbert House’s behavioral health services dramatically improves the health of clients by providing immediate access to care for issues that have often been unaddressed for long periods of time.

Front row: Craig Brammer, Sara Bolton, Susan Igmire, Steve Scherzinger, Annemarie Henkel; Back row: Sally and Neil Tilow, Cathy Crain, Tony Woods, Diane Decker 

Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco, Hamilton County Coroner, received the Agnes Seasongood Award for being a champion of important initiatives in our community, especially responding to the opiate epidemic. In an effort to reverse the increasing number of deaths due to the disease of addiction, Dr. Sammarco has spoken to hundreds of students about the importance of making good choices for their future. Her passion for children and their safety resulted in a board position with the Council on Child Abuse, a Talbert House affiliate.

John Silverman, Bill Mees, Vice Mayor David Mann, and The Honorable Brad Greenberg

Kathy Atkinson, Education Services Director at Mercy Neighborhood Ministries, received the Community Service Award. Her commitment to service is driven by a vision of vital, interactive, dignified, and inclusive communities working together to provide opportunity for all. Kathy has been a champion on issues that have directly impacted Talbert House clients related to quality employment, education, and housing opportunities throughout Walnut Hills and Hamilton County.

Dr. Sammarco and daughter Josi with Kathleen Cave, Moira Weir, Paul Brunner, Bobbi Dillon, Amy Orr, Andrea Hatton, Dr. Karen Looman, and Michael Trimpe

“This has been another year filled with challenges and opportunity,” said Neil Tilow, President and CEO. “We have faced an unprecedented opioid epidemic, uncertainty in our clients’ ability to access quality healthcare, a rise in youth suicide, and high poverty rates in our community. Our staff, Board, donors, and volunteers have risen to the occasion and challenged us to do more.”

Talbert House served over 21,700 clients face to face and another 53,000 in hotline and prevention services during the past year. Review the agency’s performance and share in the success of those served in the 2017 Annual Report online at www.talberthouse.org.

Talbert House is a community-wide nonprofit that operates within five service lines: Adult Behavioral Health, Community Care, Court and Corrections, Housing, and Youth Behavioral Health. Children, adults and families benefit from these proven services. Last year, Talbert House served over 21,700 clients face to face and an additional 53,000 through hotline and prevention services throughout Southwest Ohio. Talbert House’s mission is to improve social behavior and enhance personal recovery and growth.