Insight Matters
Winter, 2004

OPA Honors Phil Workman
Dale Svendsen, M.D., Chair, Retirement Celebration Committee

Over 65 OPA members and spouses, dignitaries and Phil's family gathered on January 24, 2004 to honor Phil Workman, OPA's first Executive Director. The event was a black tie celebration with dinner, dancing and an evening of tributes for his much appreciated service.

A special tribute came from Congressman Ted Strickland who presented Phil a bronze plaque of the words Congressman Strickland had read into the Congressional record describing Phil's accomplishments. Then Ohio Department of Mental Health Director, Michael Hogan, presented an award from Governor Bob Taft highlighting Phil's support of the Administration and the Ohio Department of Mental Health. State Representative Lynn Olman wrote a personal letter to Phil thanking him for his support of parity legislation and a signed proclamation from the Ohio House of Representatives was presented. The American Psychiatric Association sent a signed copy of the resolution approved by the APA Assembly honoring Phil and his work with the APA.

Many past presidents and others shared remembrances of their times with Phil. He was described as a gentleman, a golfer, a person who encouraged others to grow, a man who got along with and helped 21 different presidents, a respected lobbyist, a trusted resource for the American Psychiatric Association and a man who led the OPA into becoming perhaps the best district branch in the country.

A special humorous video captured Phil's life and accomplishments in the OPA. A scrapbook, a guest book with comments and other mementos were also shared. Phil received a special caricature artwork, signed by artist Roger Curley, show (here or where) as a special gift from the OPA and the attendees. The artwork highlights his many accomplishments such as being a founding member of the Coalition for Healthy Communities, working with OPPAC, and receiving a special National Alliance for the Mentally Ill in Ohio award. For the Retirement Celebration Committee organizing this event was, I believe, a labor of love. I believe most in attendance had a good time, especially the honoree, who said in his closing remarks, "This is the third best thing that has happened to me in my lifetime. The first was my marriage to Evelyn. The second were the births of my three children. The third is this tribute tonight. Thank you very much."

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