LACONIA — Lakes Region Mental Health Center recently recognized two community members at its Annual Meeting. The event was a ‘60s Gala held at the Lakeport Opera House. The theme was celebrating 60 years of serving the Greater Lakes Region community’s mental health and well-being. Each year, Lakes Region Mental Health Center presents two awards to members of the community who have championed the cause of improving mental health and supported our efforts to promote increased mental health awareness.
Dr. Pete Harris Community Award
Corey Gately, is this year’s Dr. Pete Harris Community Award winner. She is the director of substance use services at Concord Hospital and The Doorway in Laconia, as well as director of The Recovery Clinic at the Laconia and Franklin campuses. Gately plays a vital role in educating staff and the community about medication induction in the emergency department, the use of medication in substance use treatment, and the utilization of recovery coaches as part of treatment. Gately is a valued community partner at Lakes Region Mental Health Center, working collaboratively to provide patients with access to substance use services and recovery resources. In 2025, The Doorway expanded with a new location at the Lakes Region Mental Health Center’s Plymouth campus, making services even more accessible for people in our region.
Gately’s nomination noted, “Within The Doorway system, Corey has worked tirelessly to develop a network of community partnerships and staff that collaborate closely with families and support systems, providing education to help everyone understand their loved one’s illness. The Greater Lakes Region community is consistently enhanced by Corey’s involvement. The Doorway fosters long-term sobriety, emotional stability, and overall physical and mental wellness for individuals and their families.”
Helen Holbrook Community Award
Carmen Lorentz is this year’s Helen Holbrook Community Award winner. She pivoted to local community and economic development after being appointed by Gov. Maggie Hassan as director of the division of economic development at the Department of Resources and Economic Development. During that time, Lorentz saw housing as a key piece of the workforce puzzle, which attracted her to her current position as the executive director of Lakes Region Community Developers, whose mission is to develop affordable housing throughout the Lakes Region.
Lorentz’ nominator said, “One of the largest gaps for individuals struggling with mental illness is safe, affordable housing. Through Carmen’s leadership, Lakes Region Community Developers continuously identify solutions to fill this need. I have seen how Carmen’s vision expands beyond the typical vision for low-income housing, and how she uses her voice in the community to underscore that everyone, regardless of income or disability status, is deserving of housing that supports quality of life.”
For more information, visit lrmhc.org.