NAMI Delaware honors leaders and activists with annual awards

NAMI Delaware recently presented eight people and organizations with special awards at the Inspiring Hope Conference, recognizing exceptional leadership and service to people living with mental illness.

“These champions show the many different ways that a community can serve and lead,” said Dr. Joshua Thomas, NAMI Delaware CEO and executive director. “From board service to direct care, law enforcement to legislation, staff members to public servants, they all demonstrate the enduring spirit of commitment and dedication to supporting people experiencing mental illness. We are in their debt.”

Volunteer of the Year Edward M. McNally, Esq., is a longtime NAMI Delaware board member, former president and current board secretary. McNally has provided guidance on legal matters, human resources issues and risk management. “Ed has a heart of gold, tremendous compassion for those we serve and a drive to ensure we fulfill our mission,” said Mary Berger, board president.

Healthcare Professional of the Year Dr. Aileen Fink is a licensed psychologist serving as director of the Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services in the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families. She is a champion for Delaware’s children and a faculty member of NAMI Delaware’s Crisis Intervention Team program.

Organization of the Year New Castle County Police Department is the first law enforcement agency in the state to adopt a crisis intervention team. New Castle County’s police force has been a leader in addressing behavioral health issues. It also has developed a behavioral health unit to provide intervention and support.

Officer of the Year Maj. Stephen Thayer serves with the Veterans Administration Police Department. Thayer is consistently willing to go the extra mile for people dealing with mental health challenges, and he shows great compassion and concern for people in crisis.

Equity and Inclusion Advocacy for Mental Health Award recipient Norwood Coleman is a member of NAMI Delaware’s advisory board. A veteran social worker, community leader and volunteer, Coleman is a frequent presenter on educational topics on NAMI Delaware’s behalf and a champion for health equity and fighting injustice.

The Legislator of the Year Award went to Delaware Speaker of the House Rep. Valerie Longhurst, D-Bear. This year, Longhurst sponsored and passed legislation to build and fund a robust 988 crisis response system, provide support to students exposed to traumatic situations and allow mental health days as excused absences for students. She has demonstrated her passion to champion groundbreaking, essential legislation to create strong support and resources for those affected by mental illness.

Staff Member of the Year Award recipient Wesley Ingram is NAMI Delaware’s programs manager. Ingram helped launch new training efforts, managed social media, coordinated crisis intervention team training, and led NAMI Delaware’s youth and LGBTQ+ community engagement efforts. He is always willing to help his colleagues with technical issues, navigating the care system and managing relationships.

The Simon and Jill Shute Advocacy Award winner is Roseanne Faust. As assistant director of community mental health and addiction services with the Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, Faust has been a staunch and vocal advocate for decades on behalf of people with mental illness, working to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect. She has worked in the public and private sectors, always championing the people NAMI serves. Faust is NAMI Delaware’s go-to problem solver who understands the realities of the complex and fragmented mental health treatment system. The award is named after NAMI Delaware’s founders, who were the first advocates for those affected by mental illness in the First State.