AATOD is deeply saddened by the recent passing of our friend and colleague, Kate Mahoney. Kate served as the Chair of the Accreditation Commitee of this 2021 virtual conference as well as several other previous AATOD conferences. Kate is also a former AATOD Board delegate who represented the State of Illinois.
Kate was a licensed clinical social worker and had specialized in the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders. After working as a counselor at an addiction prevention and treatment organization in Joliet, Illinois. Kate joined the staff at PEER Services in Evanston, Illinois. Accredited by the Joint Commission, PEER Services is a nonprofit community-based organization dedicated to reducing the problems that substance abuse causes individuals, families and communities. Ms. Mahoney was appointed Executive Director by the PEER Services Board of Directors.
Kate was actively involved in advocacy and public policy work throughout the state of Illinois. She was committed to reducing the stigma related to substance use disorders, promoted best practices and secured adequate resources to address the substance abuse prevention and treatment needs of Illinois citizens. Ms. Mahoney was a past president of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association and past president of the Illinois Association for Medication Assisted Addiction Treatment.
Undoubtedly, Kate was a leader and asset to our field, and we are thankful for her work and her commitment to AATOD.
