O’Malley receives Behavioral Health Champion Award

Florence 1 Schools Superintendent Dr. Richard O’Malley recently received the School Behavioral Health Champion Award, a recognition of outstanding commitment to advancing mental health awareness, advocacy, and support within the Florence community and across the State of South Carolina. The award was presented at the Southeastern School Behavioral Health Conference in  Myrtle Beach.

“This award is a testament to the hard work, collaboration, and dedication of our entire Florence One team,” O’Malley said. “It is truly a team effort, and I’m proud of what our school-based therapists, under the outstanding leadership of Mrs. Krystle Graham, have accomplished together to create a more compassionate and supportive environment for mental well-being for both students and staff.”

The School Behavioral Health Champion Award recognizes individuals, programs, districts, and organizations making an impact on student behavioral health. 

“Dr. O’Malley exemplifies what it means to be a School Behavioral Health Champion,” said Lori Parrish, Co-Chair of Southeastern School Behavioral Health Conference. “His courageous and visionary leadership and deep commitment to student wellness have transformed how behavioral health is addressed in Florence 1 Schools. From forging vital community partnerships to launching innovative programs like Compass Academy, Dr. O’Malley’s work not only meets immediate needs but builds lasting systems of support. His impact reaches far beyond his district, setting a powerful example for educational leaders everywhere.” 

The Southeastern School Behavioral Health Conference is focused on effective school behavioral health within multi-tiered systems of support. This year’s conference was Advancing School Behavioral Health – Scaling Effective Practices Through Innovation.

“On behalf of McLeod Health and the community, we extend our sincere congratulations to Dr. Richard O’Malley on being honored with the Champion of Mental Health award,” said Donna Isgett, President and CEO of McLeod Health. “This prestigious recognition is a testament to his unwavering commitment to foster a supportive and nurturing environment for students and educators alike, as well as removing the stigma surrounding mental health issues through education. His leadership, vision and dedication to mental health advocacy, combined with the focus on student access to care, have profoundly enriched our local educational institutions, ensuring that wellbeing remains at the forefront of academic success. We commend his exemplary contributions and celebrate this well-deserved honor.”

Previous award recipients have included mental health clinicians, school districts, schools, policy leaders, and community providers, reflecting the broad range of champions supporting school behavioral health at the practice, program, or policy level, ensuring that all students receive the supports they need to be successful in school.  

“Having partnered with Dr. O’Malley on mental health care, I was happy to see him awarded as a Champion of Mental Health,” said Rob DuPont, System Administrative Officer of Behavioral Health for MUSC Health. “Dr. O’Malley has made mental wellness a priority of education and it is remarkable to see what Florence 1 Schools has done for student wellness under his leadership.”