Palm Avenue Detox Receives 2026 David Lewis Award from San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commission

SAN MATEO, Calif. - Horizon Treatment Services' Palm Avenue Detox was named the 2026 recipient of the David Lewis Award, presented during San Mateo County's Behavioral Health Commission meeting on September 2. Commissioner Paul Nichols presented the award, which recognizes individuals and programs that have made a significant contribution to substance use recovery through successful programs, community education, stigma reduction or client advocacy.

Palm Avenue Detox is a clinically managed, 22-bed detoxification program in San Mateo, serving men, women, and transgender and non-binary adults experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring behavioral health disorders in the county.

The Behavioral Health Commission advises the county Board of Supervisors on behavioral health needs, services, facilities and special programs.

The award is named for David Lewis, a longtime San Mateo County Health employee who co-founded Free at Last, a substance use treatment and prevention agency in East Palo Alto. Free at Last works to break the cycle of addiction, rebuild families, foster education and economic self-sufficiency, and contribute to the health and safety of the community.

"For many years, Palm Avenue Detox has been a steadfast open door for those ready to walk the recovery path," said Jean Perry, chair of the San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commission. "It is so important that access be available whenever an individual seeks help. The door is always open, no matter how many times they may need to return. Dignity and choice honor the personhood of those receiving care. The high level of services is almost legendary. The legacy continues under the watch of Horizon Services."

Palm Avenue Detox honors David Lewis's legacy by reducing stigma and delivering compassionate, barrier-free recovery care to some of the community's most vulnerable residents.

Past recipients of the David Lewis Award include Susan Naify, recognized for her client-focused approach at Sitike Counseling Center, and Voices of Recovery San Mateo County, recognized for its peer-run recovery support services.

Preston Merchant
Director of Communications
San Mateo County Health
650-867-1661
[email protected]