Congratulations to Blue Ridge CareNet Counseling! They were awarded the Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award given to an outstanding nonprofit in the area. From left to right: Will Eads and Linda Gatchell, Mt. Airy therapists, and Barbara Saulpaugh of the Winston-Salem CareNet center.

The award was described in The Mt. Airy News:

Blue Ridge [CareNet Counseling]was honored with the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award for its commitment to helping clients restore and maintain mental wellness, one that has spanned more than 40 years.

Presenter Jimmy Flythe of Duke Energy said Blue Ridge CareNet Counseling “certainly” meets the award criteria of a non-profit organization that positively impacts the community through skilled use of time, talents and compassion.

Flythe said its dedicated counselors provide confidential, compassionate care with respect for personal beliefs and values.

“This organization has a rich heritage of bringing hope and healing to men, women and children of any faith or no faith.”

The presence of such an entity in this community is vital, given that only 41 percent of adults in the U.S. with a mental health condition received such services in the past year, according to information presented at Thursday’s luncheon.