Roxanne Pignanelli • Robert Hawkins Award

The Robert Hawkins Award is in honor of Robert Hawkins, who served as Superintendent of the Colorado Mental Health Institute of Pueblo until his untimely death in July 2002.  Robert Hawkins is remembered not only for his strong leadership as a mental health professional but also for his extensive volunteer service and his ability to demonstrate, both professionally and personally, his love of mankind and advocacy for individuals with mental illness.  The criterion for this award is an individual that has demonstrated significant achievements or advancements in the mental health community during his/her career that compliments MHAP's mission.

Gil Sanchez Mission Award

• Cheryl Reid (posthumously)

• Duncan & Nora McAuliffe

The Gil Sanchez Mission Award is named after the President and CEO of the Spanish Peaks Mental Health Center who served for many years. He is credited for his innovative approach to insuring poor and minority mental health consumers had their mental health needs met regardless of cost. Mr. Sanchez passed away at the age of 82 in 2012.  This award is designed to recognize an outstanding individual, group, or agency that has made a significant achievement or advancement in the mental health field through treatment, advocacy, policy, exploratory program models, or professional standards.  

Robin Hill Phoenix Award Nominees

• Jean Howard Blackwell

• Laura Lisonbee

• Alexis Rael

The Robin Hill Phoenix Award was established in 2017. Robin Hill is the founder of Friendly Harbor and served as the president for many years. According to Greek mythology, the phoenix bird lives a very long life and when it passes it is reborn from its own ashes. This award is designed to recognize an outstanding individual with lived experience who works to improve conditions for and attitudes towards people with mental illness. In other words, they are making major contributions to improving the lives of people who have mental illnesses, substance use, or co-occurring disorders despite potential risks to careers, finances, and public acceptance. 

Youth Mental Health Champion Nominees

• Benjamin Trujillo & Shelby McCrory: Active Minds

• Pueblo South High School Unified Bowling Team

• Student Cast of "No One Hears Unless You Scream", The Arts Academy at Pueblo County High & CAAA

This award will be presented by MHAP to a middle or high school student/group who has championed mental health awareness and well-being. This award is to acknowledge an individual/group for their leadership and vision related to the advancement of mental health awareness for middle and high school students.