CONGRATULATIONS DR. KELLY!!!

The Board of Directors' from St. Lawrence Health's (SLH) three hospitals recently presented their 2021-2022 Community Service Awards, which included Dr. Benson Kelly from Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services.

Massena Hospital President David Bender noted the decision to select Dr. Kelly as the recipient of this year's award was unanimous. The doctor's connection to Massena Hospital literally started with his birth; he was born at Massena Memorial Hospital. After graduating from Harvard University, and Tufts University School of Medicine, he returned to provide health care to members of the Massena and Akwesasne communities.

Dr. Kelly started his career at Massena [Memorial] Hospital, where he was involved in supporting babies and their mothers after deliveries, working in Intensive Care, and providing care for our essential aging seniors.

"Dr. Kelly has provided health care through Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe's Health Services for nearly 36 years and is now caring for the third generation of his patients. He is among the few physicians whose long-standing service affords him the opportunity to care for the grandchildren of his original patients," Mr. Bender said.

"He was instrumental in the expansion of the existing Health Services Building, which now includes a primary care and mental health clinic, dental clinic, pharmacy, lab, business office, and numerous outreach services, including a drug and alcohol program. Dr. Kelly has seen first-hand the escalation of the opioid epidemic over the past 30 years," Mr. Bender continued. "We are, undeniably, a healthier North Country because of Dr. Benson Kelly's long-standing career as a provider, and his vision and tenacity to establish comprehensive health care services to those in need."

Award winners are chosen by each hospital's Board of Directors from a slate of nominees.