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2023 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 805
Commending James Michael Tobin.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 21, 2023
Agreed to by the Senate, February 23, 2023

 

WHEREAS, James Michael Tobin, an esteemed community organizer and longtime executive director of Piedmont Community Services, who has advocated for and supported individuals coping with addiction and other mental health issues over a career spanning a half century, retired in 2021; and

WHEREAS, after briefly serving as a community relations officer with the School District of Philadelphia and as an instructor at Belmont Abbey College, James “Jim” Michael Tobin settled in Martinsville and started the Patrick Henry Drug and Alcohol Council (PHDAC) to assist individuals and families battling addiction; and

WHEREAS, in 1989, Jim Tobin assumed the role of executive director of Piedmont Mental Health, which later incorporated the PHDAC and assumed the name Piedmont Community Services, masterfully leading the organization until his retirement in 2016; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure with Piedmont Community Services, Jim Tobin worked indefatigably to ensure the success of the region’s comprehensive system for addressing the needs of individuals dealing with mental health issues, intellectual disabilities, or substance abuse; and

WHEREAS, from 1988 to 1992, Jim Tobin played an active role in CADRE of Henry County and Martinsville, co-chairing a coalition of community leaders drawn from the areas of law enforcement, education, and substance abuse rehabilitation services that was organized to foster cooperation and collaboration among stakeholders in an effort to better address the region’s problems and needs; and

WHEREAS, Jim Tobin was a founding member and chairman of Virginia’s Voice, leading the coalition of eight statewide substance abuse advocacy groups in its pursuit of legislation that would meaningfully improve the lives of those suffering from addiction; and

WHEREAS, with funding from the Harvest Foundation, Jim Tobin developed the Community Recovery Program, an innovative initiative that utilizes a recovery-oriented, case management approach to provide individuals reintegrating into society with support in the areas of employment, education, housing, finances, mental health, physical health, and more; and

WHEREAS, Jim Tobin’s tireless efforts to promote mental health in the community have included acting in the role of mediator between local boards and organizations, organizing local health fairs, and establishing a suicide survivors support group, among other activities; and

WHEREAS, Jim Tobin’s leadership and expertise have benefitted numerous boards and organizations over the years, including most recently the boards of the Harvest Foundation, the Virginia Museum of Natural History, the Dan River Basin Association, and his local chapter of the United Way; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his consummate skills as a mental health advocate and professional, Jim Tobin received a gubernatorial appointment to serve on the statewide Substance Abuse Services Council from 2012 to 2016 and was awarded a Champion Award from the Martinsville Area Disability Employment Network in 2010; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend James Michael Tobin on the occasion of his retirement for his dedication to serving the communities of Martinsville and Henry County; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to James Michael Tobin as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his contributions to the Commonwealth.