MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Two West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute addiction specialists have been recognized by the State of West Virginia for exemplary patient care and contributions to their fields of practice.
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ (DHHR) Office of Drug Control Policy and the Bureau for Behavioral Health has announced its first class of five award recipients, which included:
- James Berry, D.O., chair of the Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry and director of addictions at the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, who received the 2022 West Virginia Medical Provider Award for Advancement of Quality Addiction Care.
- Kathleen “Katie” M. Chiasson-Downs, M.A., L.P.C., A.L.P.S., A.A.D.C., lead clinician for addiction services and clinical therapist at the Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry at the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, who received the 2022 Award for Excellence in Addiction Counseling and Service.
“It is quite an honor to be the first recipient of this award that seeks to bring attention to medical providers caring for those suffering from the disease of addiction,” Dr. Berry said. “The good news is that treatment for substance use disorders can be very effective, and by treating this condition, as a doctor I get to see people get their lives back every day. The challenge we face is delivering quality, evidence-based treatment to anyone, anywhere who is in need. This award recognizes the important role healthcare professionals play in meeting this challenge.”
Chiasson-Downs accepted the honor on behalf of the entire Department of Behavioral Medicine addiction services section.
“It is an honor to work together, as a team, to provide evidenced-based, compassionate addiction treatment to our fellow West Virginians, and to offer valuable training to the future addiction providers of this field,” she said. “Every person deserves access to quality treatment, and we will continue to advocate for this right."
About the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute
The WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute improves lives by pioneering advances in brain health and therapeutics. With the latest technologies, innovative research, an ecosystem of partners, and a multidisciplinary integrated approach to patient care, the RNI is making tangible progress in its goal to combat public health challenges ranging from addiction to Alzheimer’s. For more information about the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, visit WVUMedicine/RNI.
