DAYTONA BEACH – SMA Healthcare’s Colleen Colandrea, a registered nurse at the DeLand Men’s Residential Treatment Program, has been named a Behavioral Health Pandemic Hero by the Florida Behavioral Health Association. Colandrea was one of six behavioral healthcare workers to receive this award.
In the midst of COVID-19, Colleen Colandrea embraced the challenge of overseeing SMA’s Deland Men’s Residential Treatment (DMRT) facility’s nursing department as the facility’s only medical staff member. Colandrea continues to prioritize the needs of others above her own.
The Pandemic Heroes recognition is a special 2020 category created by the Florida Behavioral Health Association to honor those individuals who have worked tirelessly to make sure mental health and substance use treatment and prevention services were available to those in need during the pandemic.
“Colleen is a such an incredible asset to our SMA Healthcare team,” said Ivan Cosimi, CEO of SMA Healthcare. “Her dedication and commitment to our clients, especially during this pandemic, is vital to our organization. We appreciate her and all of the SMA staff who have stepped up during these difficult times.”
“Each and every day, these selfless individuals put the needs of their patients first,” said Melanie Brown-Woofter, president and CEO of FBHA. “This year has been extremely tough for everyone – it’s evident in the significant increase in numbers of Floridians reporting more anxiety, depression and uncertainty across the state. We are so thankful for these behavioral health heroes and their continued dedication to helping others.”