Nominations until Jan. 31 in 11 categories; honorees will be recognized May 3

By Staff Report

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

The County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Board seeks nominations for the 12th Annual Behavioral Health Community Heroes Awards that 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 awards recognize those individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exemplary service to residents suffering the effects of mental illness.

In the face of a global pandemic, heroes continued their mission to improve the lives of those they serve.

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

Agency: An agency whose services, for those with behavioral health challenges, are consumer and family-focused, professional, caring, compassionate, and innovative.

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

Educator: A professional educator who has taken the extra steps in providing behavioral health services by going beyond their job description.

Elected Official: A current elected official who has provided exemplary service in advocating for those with behavioral health challenges.

Faith-Based: A faith-based organization that has provided extraordinary services.

Family Member: An individual who has a family member receiving services and who has contributed to improving the lives of families affected by 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 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 younger than 26 who has recognized critical 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.

Honorees will be recognized virtually from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 3.

For more information visit https://bit.ly/12thAnnualHeroesAwards.