Nomination period is open through Jan. 31; awards given in 11 categories

Published Dec. 18, 2022 on GilroyLife.com

By Staff Report

It’s time to recognize people who have made a difference in the lives of those with behavioral health challenges.

The County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Board is seeking nominations for the 12th Annual Behavioral Health Community Heroes Awards. These awards recognize community members who have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of people with behavioral health challenges. Nominations will be accepted through Jan. 31.

The Behavioral Health Community Heroes Awards recognizes those individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exemplary service to county residents suffering the effects of mental illness.  In the face of a global pandemic, Heroes have continued their mission to improve the lives of those they serve.

Community Heroes are professional service providers, members of the faith-based community, law enforcement, as well as community members.  The awards will be held virtually, via Zoom on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. The public is encouraged to join the celebration and recognize those whose efforts improve the quality of life for county residents.

The Behavioral Health Board will recognize a total of 11 heroes, one in each of the following categories:

Agency: An agency whose services, for individuals with behavioral health challenges, are consumer and family-focused, professional, caring, compassionate, and innovative. The agency goes beyond the standard services/treatment and truly seeks to improve a client’s/consumer’s quality of life.

Consumers/Clients: An individual who has received behavioral health services, demonstrated impressive personal achievements, and provided hope, inspiration, or knowledge to others facing similar challenges.

Educator: A professional educator who has taken the extra steps in providing behavioral health services by going beyond their job description. May be an instructor, behavioral health professional, coach, counselor, etc.

Elected Official: A current elected official who has provided exemplary service in advocating for those with behavioral health challenges and/or is working to eliminate the stigma and stereotypes surrounding these diseases.

Faith-Based: A faith-based organization that has provided extraordinary services, including community support activities.

Family Member: An individual who has a family member receiving behavioral health services and who has contributed to improving the lives of families affected by behavioral health challenges through advocacy, programs, or activities that reach beyond their own family circumstances to have an impact on the community and/or service delivery system.

Mover and Shaker: A person who has recognized critical behavioral health needs in the greater community and has created and promoted collaborative, innovative, and creative initiatives to serve those in need.

Young Mover and Shaker: A person under the age of 26 who has recognized critical behavioral health needs in the greater community and has created and promoted collaborative, innovative, and creative initiatives that serve those in need.

Media: A Media Community Hero provides helpful information through news outlets, guiding people to appropriate mental health resources. In their coverage/reporting, they successfully follow the national recommendations and guidelines for reporting on suicide.

Program: A behavioral health program that provides unique services that have had an extraordinary impact on consumers, family members, and the community.

Volunteer: An individual who has made an impact on the behavioral health community and is not compensated monetarily for their efforts.

The criteria for consideration of an award include demonstrating a commitment to the selected category, inspiring others to believe they can make a difference, engaging community members, and bridging differences among communities. Past honorees have included students, civic leaders who are now in elected office, educators from our local colleges and universities, and everyday heroes who volunteer or go the extra mile in their service. Board members and their families are not eligible for nominations; nominations should be based on recent activity but may recognize a long-term activity or service. Awards are limited to nominees who either reside in or provide services in Santa Clara County.

Honorees will be recognized virtually at the Annual Behavioral Health Community Heroes Awards on noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 3.

For additional information and to submit a Heroes nomination, please visit the link: https://bit.ly/12thAnnualHeroesAwards.

About the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Board

The County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Board, composed of members of the community at large, clients, and family members of clients of the behavioral health system, represents the public interest and advises the County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors on matters related to the administration of behavioral health services in Santa Clara County.