annual awards

2026 Award Categories

Not sure which category to choose? Just select your best guess; our volunteer Annual Awards Committee will decide which category is best suited once they have read over all of the nominations.

1. Volunteer of the Year – NAMI NH’s cadre of committed volunteers are the essence of the organization.  They inspire us by bringing help and hope to countless individuals and families each and every day.  NAMI NH volunteers facilitate support groups virtually and in-person, teach education programs like Family-to-Family, NAMI Basics, and Peer-to-Peer and they share their deeply personal stories with the legislature and the community.  Volunteers help make events like NAMIWalks NH a success. They give their time and expertise to advancing the mission of the organization and its programs, providing help, hope, and healing to individuals and families throughout the Granite State. NAMI NH volunteers selflessly give of their time and lived experience to improve lives – who among our over 200 volunteers deserves this award?
   
   
2. Peer Support Professional – Nominees in this category willingly share their experiences with mental illness and substance use recovery with others traveling a similar path. Through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment, peer support professionals help those working on their recovery stay engaged with their wellness. As important members of many treatment teams, peer support professionals offer an effective extension of treatment beyond the clinical setting to support sustained recovery.
   
   
3. Mental Health Supporter – Each day, we are made aware of the many helpers in our communities who have gone above and beyond to provide exemplary support and care to individuals and families in our communities.  These compassionate individuals are dedicated to improving the lives of Granite Staters affected by mental illness and suicide.  Nominees in this category may include therapists, psychiatrists, administrators, case managers, and educators working in the fields of mental health, suicide prevention, and/or co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.
   
   
4. Legislator of the Year – This award recognizes NH state or federal legislators who are champions for mental health and suicide prevention.  The Legislator of the Year is an elected official who helps to amplify the voices of individuals and families affected by mental health and suicide; demonstrates their commitment to improving the quality of life and health and well-being of Granite Staters; and is a leader in advocating for issues related to mental health and suicide prevention.
   
   
5. Systems Transformation Leader – Nominees for this award have demonstrated a transformational and positive impact to NH’s mental health system (regionally or statewide).  These individuals motivate and inspire others to be agents for change by raising awareness, educating the community, building partnerships, fostering collaborations, and above all, inspiring hope for a brighter future through their actions.
   
   
6. Youth Leadership – Youth and young adults in New Hampshire are incredible advocates and leaders, and this category is intended to honor and recognize them for their efforts.  The voices of our youth are powerful, and we are grateful to the countless young people who have bravely shared their personal stories to help others, raise awareness, and let folks know they are not alone.
   
   
7. Justice System Leader – The Justice System Leader award honors and recognizes an individual or group whose exceptional efforts have led to a direct, positive, and significant effect on NH’s justice system and justice-involved individuals with mental illness.  Nominees could include local and state law enforcement (including departments), sheriffs, probation officers, judges, or attorneys.