NAMI National Awards

Each year at the NAMI National Convention, we honor individuals and organizations for their outstanding work in furthering the goals of our movement. Included below are our awards winners.

The Rona and Ken Purdy Award to End Discrimination recognizes the sustained contributions of an individual or organization to raise public awareness, reduce stigma and advance our mission to build better lives for people with mental illness and their families.

The Lionel Aldridge Champions Award recognizes an individual living with mental illness who demonstrates courage, leadership and service in their work to promote recovery and ensure that all people living with mental illness live full lives in their communities. NAMI's highest peer award is given in the spirit of our organization's ongoing commitment and devotion to supporting a movement and community that is inclusive of people living with mental illness, their family members and friends.

The Richard and Betsy Greer Advocacy Award honors NAMI advocates whose leadership and vision has advanced policy and advocacy efforts that impact individuals living with mental illness and their families.

The Sam Cochran Criminal Justice Award recognizes exemplary individuals whose work in the criminal justice system has improved the fair and humane treatment of people with mental illness.

The Young Leader Award recognizes young adults who exemplify exceptional leadership among their peers to foster a culture of recovery and resiliency that helps people living with mental illness live full lives in their communities.

The Multicultural Outreach Award honors effective efforts to ensure that diversity and inclusion are high priorities within NAMI.

The Outstanding NAMI Affiliate Award is bestowed upon a NAMI Affiliate that demonstrates exceptional leadership, strong community presence, outreach to diverse communities and exemplary stewardship of the NAMI mission.

The Outstanding NAMI State Organization Award recognizes exceptional efforts on the state level in carrying out the NAMI mission as defined by the NAMI Standards of Excellence.

The Gloria Huntley Award is presented by the NAMI Restraints and Seclusion Committee for exemplary work in elimination restraint and seclusion.

The Ken Steele Award recognizes outstanding contributions by an individual living with mental illness to improve quality of life, increase empowerment and promote integration and inclusion for other peers.

The Distinguished Service Award is given in recognition of exceptional efforts to further NAMI’s goal of improving the lives of people living with mental illness.  *This award is discontinued as of 2020

The Outstanding NAMI Member Award is the highest honor given by NAMI to a member in recognition of long and effective work toward accomplishing NAMI’s goals.  *This award is discontinued as of 2020