DHS employees recognized for work in addiction field

Two DHS employees recently received lifetime achievement awards from the Minnesota Association of Resources for Recovery and Chemical Health (MARRCH). Cecil White Hat and Carol Falkowski were honored at the 43rd annual MARRCH Conference, held Oct. 29 at the RiverCentre in St. Paul.

Cecil White Hat, a principal planner/program consultant for Chemical and Mental Health Services’ Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division, was recognized for more than 30 years of work in the field of addiction. White Hat's career includes teaching in higher education about American Indian issues and American Indian addiction, working as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, serving as chairman on the American Indian Advisory Council and the Cultural Diversity Committee with the Minnesota Department of Health. White Hat was also a 2011 recipient of the Dr. Duane Mackey Waktayanaji Award for distinguished contributions to addiction treatment, education and advocacy for human rights among Native Americans.

Carol Falkowski, who retired in September from her position as drug abuse strategy officer, received the award for her contributions to the addiction field. Over her 25-year career, Falkowski served as director of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division, worked for the nonprofit Hazelden Foundation, provided technical assistance and consultation to national organizations, helped release the first-ever State Substance Abuse Strategy, and used her knowledge and communications skills to educate the public and advance the understanding of addiction.