MONTICELLO — NAMI Sullivan County, NY, is the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Primarily a Family Support and Advocacy organization, the small not-for-profit also runs social and recreational programs for local people recovering from mental illness – including our Compeer (companion/peer) program. While out on an activity several weeks ago, Peer Support Coordinator, Christopher O’Sullivan was with a group of people for an outing of Lunch and Shopping. One gentleman began experiencing what he thought was an exacerbation of his Asthma, and Christopher immediately put the outing on ‘hold.’ 

He transported the gentleman to the hospital – where he was admitted, with a dangerously high blood sugar. He spent over a week in the ICU and was then stepped down to a regular hospital room, before being released home (where he’s doing well!)  

According to NAMI Sullivan Executive Director, Lori Schneider, “Since this gentleman lives alone in a fairly remote location, it’s likely he may well have ignored the symptoms had he not been out with the group. Christopher’s quick thinking and reaction in getting him to the hospital most assuredly saved his life!” The Board of Directors of NAMI Sullivan had a Luncheon in Christopher’s honor on Monday, February 5th and presented him with a plaque in recognition of his outstanding service.