SCC Behavioral Health Board Seeks Community Heroes Nominations

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – The Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Board (SCCBHB) is seeking nominations for the 7th annual Community Heroes Awards to recognize community members who have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of people with behavioral health challenges. The nomination deadline has been extended to February 1, 2018. Award recipients will be recognized at a ceremony in May.

“Every year, the Behavioral Health Services Department hosts an annual Heroes Awards Ceremony where we recognize those individuals and organizations within our county who have demonstrated exemplary service to county residents suffering the effects of mental illness,” said Gary Miles, Chair of the Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Board. “Our heroes have performed tirelessly in their efforts to improve the lives of those they serve. Our heroes are community members, professional service providers, law enforcement officers and agencies, as well as those in the faith-based community.”

The Behavioral Health Board will recognize nine heroes, one in each of the following categories:
Agency: An agency that provides professional, caring, compassionate and innovative services to individuals with behavioral health challenges. 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 and has demonstrated impressive personal achievements and has provided hope, inspiration or knowledge to others facing similar challenges.

Educator: A behavioral health professional taking the extra steps in providing behavioral health services going beyond their job description.

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

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 who are affected by behavioral health challenges through advocacy, programs, or activities that 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 by creating and promoting collaborative and innovative initiatives that serve those in need.

Program: A behavioral health program that provides unique services that have had an extraordinary impact on consumers, family members and 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 includes demonstrating a commitment in the selected category, inspiring others to believe they can make a difference, engaging community members, and bridging differences among communities. Past honorees have included CEO’s, 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.

“We invite the community to join us for the awards ceremony in May as we celebrate and recognize the heroes whose efforts improve the quality of life for our residents,” said Gary Miles.

Honorees will be recognized at the 7th annual SCCBHB Community Behavioral Health Heroes Awards Ceremony and luncheon on May 2, 2018, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the San Jose Masonic Center, 2500 Masonic Drive, San Jose.

Application can be found at the Behavioral Health Board website: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/bhd/info/mentalhealthboard/pages/default.aspx
The Santa Clara County 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 Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors on matters related to the administration of behavioral health services in Santa Clara County.

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The County of Santa Clara government serves a diverse, multi-cultural population of 1.9 million residents in Santa Clara County, the fifth largest county in California. With a $6.5 billion budget and more than 70 agencies/departments and more than 18,000 employees, the County of Santa Clara plans for the needs of a dynamic community, provides quality services, and promotes a healthy, safe and prosperous community for all. The County provides essential services including public health protection, environmental protection, medical services through Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC), child and adult protection services, homelessness prevention and solutions, roads, park services, libraries, emergency response to disasters, protection of minority communities and those under threat, access to a fair criminal justice system, and scores of other services, particularly for those members of our community in the greatest need.

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