Pacific Clinics presents its first Visionary Leadership Award at the 16th Annual M.I.L.E.S. Conference

Arcadia, October 3, 2007--This year, Pacific Clinics' presented its first Visionary Leadership Award for Mental Health and Law Enforcement to Chief Ronald C. Banks (ret.) at its 16th Annual M.I.L.E.S. Conference. During his years in law enforcement as Inglewood's Police Chief, Chief Banks was motivated to action by the plight of homeless mentally ill people in his community. He recognized the need to find supportive housing and care for this population. Following his retirement in 2001, he volunteered to work as a board member of Portals, a psychiatric rehabilitation organization serving the homeless mentally ill in Los Angeles. Today, he continues to support and guide Portals' endeavors and raise funds to support its programs.

The annual M.I.L.E.S. Conference, held on September 27, 2007, attracted over 330 mental health and law enforcement professionals to hear domestic violence expert David B. Wexler, Ph.D. His presentation, "Domestic Violence: When Push Comes to Shove," addressed domestic violence prevention, treatment and rules of engagement.

Professionals who go the "extra mile" in providing services to individuals living with mental illness were also honored. This year was no exception. Gladys Nagy, Supervising Deputy Probation Officer, Los Angeles County Probation Department, was presented with the "Extra" M.I.L.E.(s) Award for her work with several programs for mentally ill offenders including, homeless outreach, domestic violence, elder abuse and a successful education program that helps young probationers through school. Lead Agent Richard Luna of El Monte Police Department also received this award for his work with the homeless population in his community.

Pacific Clinics, a proven leader in community mental healthcare, recognized a need for greater mental health education for law enforcement in 1991 and was instrumental in the formation of the M.I.L.E.S. (Mental Illness and Law Enforcement Systems) partnership. Other partners include the San Gabriel Valley Police Chiefs' Association and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.