On October 10, 2012, Riverbend Community Mental Health presented Rainbow Awards to four Champions for Mental Health: Concord Police Chief John Duval; Concord Hospital CEO Michael Green and Derek and Ruth Owen of Hopkinton.

Chief Duval serves as the liaison between the Concord police force and Riverbend; Michael Green has expanded access to mental health services throughout the region; and the Owens' farm is an incubator for an innovative vocational program.

"The theme tonight is partners," said Louis Josephson PhD, Riverbend's CEO, in introducing the Awards. "We partner with the 2012 Champions in different ways but with the common goal of providing quality mental services to the community."

The Awards were held at the Grappone Conference Center. Before 180 friends and family members, business and civic leaders, medical and mental health professionals and policy makers the four Champions were lauded for their contributions toward improving the lives of children, adults and seniors living with mental illness. "Resources for community based mental health services are limited, and not everyone who needs our services can access them either at all or at a level sufficient to keep them as healthy and productive as possible," said Valerie Acres, Chair of Riverbend's Board."This is why our Champions, event sponsors, and other donors to Riverbend are so important and so appreciated."

The event raised over $20,000 and the proceeds will improve access to services for clients who are uninsured or underinsured. Riverbend has long closed the funding gap for the 9,200 children, families and adults who access services annually with private gifts, grants and contributions.