Do you know an individual making a difference in the lives of people living with mental illness or substance use disorder? Nominations are still open for the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County’s 2026 Helping Hands Awards. Each award honors people who have made a meaningful impact on behavioral health in our community over the past year.
We especially encourage nominations in the categories that recognize youth voice, public officials and public safety professionals whose leadership is essential in building a more responsive and compassionate behavioral health system.
Award Categories:
Youth Voice & Leadership Award: Honors a youth or young adult who has demonstrated leadership, advocacy, or volunteerism to support mental health and/or substance use recovery among their peers or in their community.
Public Service Award: Recognizes an elected or appointed official who has championed policies, programs, or initiatives that improve behavioral health outcomes and reduce stigma.
Public Safety Award: Celebrates a public safety professional or agency (law enforcement, EMS, fire, dispatchers, etc.) that has shown exceptional commitment to supporting individuals with mental illness or substance use disorders.
Community Partner Award Honors: An individual, peer or grassroots leader who has demonstrated outstanding collaboration within the behavioral health system.
Submit nominations online at www.adamhscc.org/board-meetings/annual-meeting
Submissions are due by Friday, January 30, 2026.
Nominees will only be contacted if selected. Award winners will be announced at the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County Annual Meeting in May 2026. Questions? Additional details are available on our website at www.adamhscc.org/awards.