Lebanon, N.H. -- West Central Behavioral Health has been awarded $100,000 by The Vermont Community Foundation from the Charles W. Boren Fund. These funds will be disbursed over time to West Central Behavioral Health by the Vermont Community Foundation beginning in 2009.

“We are extremely honored to receive this generous gift from the Vermont Community Foundation,” responded Suellen Griffin, President and CEO of West Central Behavioral Health. “It is both an honor and a privilege to accept a gift made in the name of Dr. Charles W. Boren, a distinguished psychiatrist and leader in the field of mental health.”

As a pioneer and major contributor to the next generation of best practices in mental healthcare, West Central Behavioral Health has made a significant impact on the vitality of this region over the last 30 years. Its mission is to promote, preserve and strengthen the mental health and quality of life for people in southern Grafton and Sullivan counties through scientific research and evidence based clinical practices that are safe, effective and client centered.

The Vermont Community Foundation was established in 1986 and helps philanthropists, organizations and businesses cultivate their love of giving to the community. It is home to over 500 charitable funds, each of which contributes to building healthy and vital communities. The Foundation is ranked among the top 10% of community foundations nationally for total assets and gifts received, and is Vermont’s largest foundation in terms of asset size. The Vermont Community Foundation awarded$12.6 million in grants in 2007, most of which were made at the recommendation of individuals and organizations who have established a fund with the Foundation.

Dr. Charles W. Boren graduated from Washington University Medical School in 1960 and moved to Hartford, CT for his residency at The Institute of Living, a nationally acclaimed psychiatric facility. Founded in 1822, The Institute of Living was one of the first mental health centers in the United States, and the first hospital of any kind in Connecticut. During his 28 years at the Institute, Dr. Boren served as Director of Psychiatric Education, Medical Director and, finally, Psychiatrist-in-Chief. The residents in psychiatry selected him as the first recipient of the "Golden Lamp Award" for excellence in and dedication to teaching. He was also a professor of psychiatry at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and for many years was an examiner of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He also served as executive secretary of the American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training, a fellow of the American College of Psychiatrists and member of the American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Boren and his wife, Shirley, retired to Kendal in Hanover, NH, in 1997. Dr. Boren continued his teaching by leading several seminars at Kendal and teaching medical students the art of incorporating humanity into patient care. Last spring Dr. Boren died as a result of a car accident.

"This generous gift from the Charles W. Boren Fund will ensure that West Central Behavioral Health continues its mission to serve the behavioral health needs of people in our community through the programs and services we provide,” Griffin added. "In this way, we are proud to carry on the work of Dr. Boren and to meet the objectives of the Vermont Community Foundation."