Rehmer honored for a legacy of advocacy

January 27, 2017

Patricia Rehmer, Hartford HealthCare senior vice president and president of the Behavioral Health Network, received the Bob Savage Recovery Advocate of the Year Award at the annual meeting of Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) on Wednesday. The award, named after the CCAR founder, is given annually to those who have made a lasting impact for those in recovery by consistently advocating for their interests and influencing decision-makers at all levels to support their needs.

"This is an honor I honestly did not expect," Rehmer said before a packed room of CCAR members and others in the Connecticut recovery community, who stood and applauded. "This award means so much to me because I do believe recovery is possible, and that the most important ingredient is hope."

Rehmer was recognized for the impact she has had on those recovering from addiction issues, both in her current role as BHN president and her previous role as Commissioner of the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. As the state's most prominent figure in the effort to end discrimination against those who are suffering from addiction, Rehmer consistently fought for resources to support recovery programs and found innovative ways to partner with other organizations when faced with budget cuts, said John Hamilton, president of the CCAR Board of Directors.

"She has been a leader in the fight for more than 30 years," he said. "She really is a champion for the recovery community."

Pat Rehmer

Rehmer, center, is shown here accepting the award with Hamilton, left, and Phil Valentine, right, CCAR executive director.