SENATOR ANDREW LANZA PRESENTS CAMELOT’S LUKE NASTA WITH NEW YORK STATE LIBERTY MEDAL AWARD

Senator Andrew Lanza today presented Luke Nasta, Executive Director of Camelot Counseling Centers, with the New York State Liberty Medal Award, the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed upon a resident by a Member of the New York State Senate.

Mr. Nasta was joined in Albany by his wife Mary, daughter Madeleine, son Cole, a number of residents from Camelot and dozens of colleagues from Staten Island and across New York. This was the first Liberty Medal that Senator Lanza has awarded.

The New York State Liberty Medal Award criteria includes meritorious, humanitarian, selfless, noble, heroic and exceptional actions by recipient on behalf of their community and New York State. Recipients must be or have been a New York State resident. The award is intended to recognize the service or achievements above and beyond those which would otherwise be acknowledged by resolution, proclamation, citation or certificate. The award must be authorized by the submission and approval of a Senate resolution and then adopted and filed with the Secretary of the Senate’s Office.

Senator Lanza said, “The New York State Liberty Medal Award is intended to recognize the exceptional actions and achievements of a recipient on behalf of their community and includes criteria such as meritorious, humanitarian, selfless, noble and heroic. When I first read about the Liberty Medal, I instantly thought of Luke and was honored to have him join me in Albany today to present him with my first Liberty Medal. Throughout his extensive career caring for those suffering through substance abuse, Luke has touched thousands and saved countless lives, proving himself to be a dedicated leader and a true man of distinction.”

Luke Nasta said, “I am humbled by the recognition given to me by Senator Andrew Lanza. The significance of this honor is not reserved for one person instead it demonstrates the commitment of the New York State Senate to meet our contagious plague of drug addiction with the full force of their power.”

Assemblyman Michael Cusick said, ”It gives me tremendous pride to congratulate Luke on being awarded the Senate Liberty Medal for his outstanding commitment to individuals suffering
from addiction. For over 40 years, Luke has been an outspoken advocate for those dealing with this disease, working tirelessly to help the countless individuals who have come to him for help. Staten Island is so fortunate to have Luke on our team as a leader in the fight against the drug crisis, and I look forward to a continuing partnership with him and his team at Camelot Counseling Centers as we battle for our neighbors and their families affected by this epidemic.
 

Mr. Nasta was surprised with the award during a visit to Albany along with other Staten Island organizations including the Tackling Youth Substance Abuse (TYSA) Initiative and SI YMCA Counseling Services. The groups traveled to the Capitol to attend the Coalition for Community Services’ Advocacy Day. The Coalition for Community Services, of which Nasta is Public Policy Director, is network of New York’s community-based substance abuse agencies and chemical dependency specialists who treat and rehabilitate individuals struggling with addiction.

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