INDIANAPOLIS | Danita Johnson-Hughes may have accepted the Achievement in Health and Physical Fitness Award from Gov. Mitch Daniels Wednesday at the Statehouse, but she knows she couldn't have done it by herself.

"It reflects the dedication and commitment of our entire team at Edgewater Systems because it is that team that makes it possible for me to stand here today to receive this award," Johnson-Hughes said. "We have a very supportive board, a very competent, professional team that provides services to the clients in our community, and I give all the credit for this award for what they do."

Edgewater Systems for Balanced Living Inc., based in Gary, serves more than 4,000 clients a year, providing mental, behavioral and addiction health services. Johnson-Hughes is head of Edgewater Systems and the only African American CEO of a certified mental health center in Indiana.

"It's unfortunate that there is a need for that in our community, but it is rewarding to be able to be that organization, that provider of services that can help improve community well-being," Johnson-Hughes said.

Wednesday's award ceremony was part of the 40th annual Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration and Black Business Conference in Indianapolis. Daniels said he helped organize the first Black Expo in 1970 as an aide to then-Indianapolis Mayor Richard Lugar.

Now as the man handing out the awards, Daniels said the award recipients, including Johnson-Hughes, "hold up to our young people, and to those not-so-young, exemplars of the very finest in achievement."

By Dan Carden This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (317) 637-9078 | Posted: Thursday, July 15, 2010 12:00 am

Last Updated on Thursday, 05 August 2010 12:25