Cooperberg receives Jeanette Rankin Award

PALMDALE – For her passion and commitment to advancing mental health recovery services in the Antelope Valley, Judy Cooperberg was honored with the third annual Jeanette Rankin Award from the League of Women Voters Antelope Valley.

The Jeanette Rankin award, named after the first woman to be elected to Congress, recognizes outstanding individuals, who have overcome obstacles, made a difference in their community, mobilized others and worked to meet the needs of the Antelope Valley community.

After receiving the Rankin award at a LWVAV luncheon Thursday, Cooperberg said: “I’m honored every day to be able to live and work in the Antelope Valley.”

Cooperberg has been active in the community for over 25 years and is the executive director of the Antelope Valley Services for Mental Health America of Los Angeles.

Cooperberg, a certified psychiatrist rehabilitation practitioner (CPRP), is responsible for the development of recovery programs for adults, young adults, veterans and homeless individuals and families in the Antelope Valley.

She has embodied MHA’s commitment to promote recovery and wellness during her 30-year career in mental health services, and she has spent the majority of it in advocating for comprehensive services and a fair share of mental health resources for the Antelope Valley.

Cooperberg sits on many community boards and committees, including the United Way of Greater Los Angeles – Antelope Valley Region, Antelope Valley Chambers of Commerce, Antelope Valley Partners for Health and California Association of Social Rehabilitation Agencies.

Last year, Cooperberg was appointed by County Supervisor Michael Antonovich to the Los Angeles County Mental Health Commission to serve a three-year term.

Cooperberg has received numerous accolades during her many years of public service, including the Clifford Beers Award, National Mental Health America’s highest honor; a Special Congressional Recognition; induction into the California Governor’s Hall of Fame for People with Disabilities; the Antelope Valley Athena Award, the Eli Lilly Welcome Back Awards for Lifetime Achievement; and the United Way of Los Angeles – Antelope Valley Region’s Volunteer of the Year.

There were eight finalists nominated for the Jeanette Rankin Award this year. Nominees included Diana Love, Representative for Assembly member Steve Fox; Veronica Fields, Chief Operating Officer at Simac, LLC; Vivian Komori, President of Komori Connections, Inc.; Barbara Little, retired civic leader; Makeda Dilworth, Editor of The AV Times; Daa Mahowald, Professional Chess Teacher and community organizer; and John Perry, founder of Human Productivity Systems and retired NASA engineer.

Previous related story: Sue Dell wins Jeanette Rankin Award

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