The Community Champion Award recognizes individuals or organizations invested in the health and wellness of African Americans, particularly in Central Texas, particularly, people living with mental health challenges, substance use disorders (SUD), and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The Community Champion Award is sponsored by The Austin Area Mental Health Consumers, Inc., a peer-run non-profit located at the Self-Help Advocacy Center (AMHC).

Selection Criteria:

Applicants/nominees must demonstrate the significant impact they have made in addressing the health and wellness needs of African Americans with mental illness, substance use disorders, and intellectual developmental disabilities.

The nominee’s work must improve the health and well-being of African Americans.

The nominee’s work must improve conditions for and attitudes toward mental health, SUD and IDD.

The nominee’s work can include offering community members culturally relevant education and awareness opportunities.

*** Awardees will include nominees from and outside Central Texas.

The RR Coleman-Calahan Scholarship sponsors individuals or family members with lived experience of mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental challenges who would like to attend the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference. This Scholarship is presented on behalf of the Rev. H. Ed Calahan Family in honor of his sister, Roberta, to support overnight accommodation and travel to the conference.

Criteria:

The applicant or nominee

1. Must reside more than 70 miles outside of Central Texas.
2. Must have lived experience with mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Garnet F. Coleman 'Eternal Flame' Award was created to honor Texas State Representative Garnet F. Coleman. The award acknowledges his lifelong local and national work as well as achievements in health and human services.

Selection Criteria:

• Involvement in state, local government and community
• May be employed by any governmental entity
• May be active in local community affairs in the Central Texas area
• Is a highly respected person in the community
• Volunteers or has volunteered on a board or in the community
• Demonstrates commitment and dedication to the African American community
• Peer advocacy, policy and leadership

Committed to expanding health care access to all

• Has changed attitudes about the value of contributions made by people with lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use disorders (SUD), and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
• Collaborates with stakeholders including peers to advance wellbeing

Works to reduce health disparities in mental health

• Advocates for mental health and wellness
• Shares their knowledge and skills to promote wellness
• Serves on committees that promote wellness in the African American community
• Has created an original idea or adapted an existing program, which resulted in a long-term benefit to African Americans.

The Richard E. Hopkins "Torch" Award acknowledges an individual who works to improve the lives of individuals living with mental health or other health-related issues. The individual must work within the Central Texas community. This award honors the work and advocacy of Richard E. Hopkins. Mr. Hopkins is a longtime conference supporter and past Integral Care Board of Trustees vice-chair. Individuals can be nominated in the following categories:

Person with Lived Experience: An individual living with a mental health condition, substance use disorder (SUD), and intellectual and developmental disability.

Family Member: An individual with a family member or friend living with a mental health condition, substance use disorder, and intellectual and/or developmental disability.

Professional: A clinician, social worker, peer specialist or other individuals.

Community Leader: An elected official, faith leader or other community leader.

Selection Criteria:

The awardee:

• Leverages their position to support individuals living with mental health conditions, substance use disorder (SUD), and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Supports the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference.
• Serves as an ambassador and leader in mental health, substance use disorder (SUD), and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Collaborates with individuals or organizations to promote mental health awareness, substance use disorder (SUD), and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Demonstrates a high commitment to ethics and is trusted by the community.
• Knowledgeable about the strengths and needs of individuals living with mental health conditions, substance use disorder (SUD), and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

DEADLINE: October 5, 2024.