CAMIMH invites Canadians to recognize leaders advancing mental health and substance use health across the country
May 5, 2026, OTTAWA – The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) opens nominations for the 2026 Champions of Mental Health Awards, a national initiative that recognizes individuals and organizations driving meaningful progress in mental health and substance use health across Canada.
The Champions of Mental Health awards, shine a light on individuals and organizations whose efforts have contributed to greater understanding, better care, and stronger advocacy. The awards ceremony will take place on October 20, 2026, in Ottawa.
- The Sharon Johnston Champion of Mental Health Award for Youth – Anyone in Canada, 21 years of age or younger who has shown leadership in their community in promoting mental health and/or substance use health awareness, or any organization dedicated to providing services for youth.
- Media - Any media personality or outlet who has contributed to public awareness of mental health, mental illness and/or substance use health.
- Workplace Mental Health - Any employer or employee who has contributed to creating a mentally healthy workplace for staff.
- Community Organization - Any organization that has provided great public service to community members in need of support for their mental illness and/or substance use health.
- Community Individual - Any person, who through personal commitment has increased awareness about mental illness and/or substance use health services, or reduced stigma in their community.
- Parliamentarian - Any provincial, territorial, or federal Parliamentarian who has advanced the mental health and/or substance use health agenda in Canada.
- Innovation- Researcher or Clinician - Aninnovative person or organization who, through their work, has advanced the mental health and/or substance use health agenda.
“At a time when people in Canada are facing growing challenges in accessing care, it is critical that we recognize those who are stepping up and driving change,” said Florence Budden, Co-Chair of CAMIMH. “These awards highlight leadership that is improving lives and strengthening our mental health system.”
The Champions of Mental Health Awards will take place following Mental Illness Awareness Week, held this year from October 4 to 10, 2026.
“Across the country, individuals and organizations are finding new ways to support their communities and push for better care,” said Anthony Esposti, Co-Chair of CAMIMH. “The Champions of Mental Health Awards are an opportunity to bring those efforts forward and ensure they are recognized at a national level.”
CAMIMH encourages nominations to help elevate the work being done in communities across the country.
Nominations will be accepted until June 30, 2026. Additional information and submission details are available on the CAMIMH website.
About CAMIMH: Established in 1998, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is an alliance of national mental health organizations comprised of health care providers and organizations representing persons with mental illness and their families and caregivers. CAMIMH’s mandate is to ensure that mental health is placed on the national agenda so that persons with a lived experience of mental illness and their families receive appropriate access to care and support.
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