ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
We ensure that New Mexicans attain their highest level of health by providing whole-person, cost-effective, accessible, and high-quality health care and safety-net services.
2026 Behavioral Health Star Awards
Every day, remarkable New Mexicans are making a difference in behavioral health—and we want to shine a light on them!
The New Mexico Behavioral Health Planning Council invites you to submit nominations for the 2026 Behavioral Health Star Awards—recognizing excellence, leadership, and
service in our behavioral health community.
Call for Nominations!
Nominations are due December 29, 2026.
Award recipients will be honored on February 3, 2026,
at the Hotel Glorieta in Santa Fe.
The submission deadline for ALL applications is December 29, 2025.
Applications received after the deadline shall not be considered.
The New Mexico Behavioral Health Planning Council is looking for individuals who have gone above and beyond to inspire those in the behavioral health community to be honored as a 2026 Behavioral Health Star. We are looking for individuals or organizations that have gone above and beyond to inspire wellness, recovery and that have made a positive difference in their communities and state.
Learn More and Apply: Behavioral Health Star Award
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The Carol Luna-Anderson Award
Recognizes an individual who has contributed to the advancement of CPSWs, either through utilizing them as service providers in their agency or raising awareness about the importance of CPSWs in the recovery of persons experiencing behavioral health challenges. The New Mexico Behavioral Health Planning Council is looking for an individual to be honored as this year’s Carol Luna-Anderson Award winner.
Learn More and Apply: Carol Luna Anderson Award
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The Lifetime Achievement Award
The Behavioral Health Planning Council seeks to honor an individual whose career reflects extraordinary dedication, vision, and impact within the behavioral health community
1. Exemplified the collaborative spirit by having numerous discrete stakeholders come together to successfully address a pressing behavioral health issue through an integrated coordinated effort.
2. Promoted behavioral health practices through leadership that provided funding for critical new services, enhanced behavioral health programs or laws, or advocated for behavioral health consumers, programs, or providers.
3. Promoted behavioral health practices anchored in recovery and resiliency.
Learn More and Apply: Lifetime Achievement Award
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The Stanford Kemp Award
The award was created in honor of Stanford Kemp, whose lifelong commitment to community connection and behavioral health advocacy helped shape our statewide network. Beginning in 2026, this award will be presented annually at New Mexico Behavioral Health Day and signed by the Governor of New Mexico.
Learn More and Apply: Stanford Kemp Award (Local Collaborative)
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The John Henry Award (Service animal)
Honors that exceptional animal who has demonstrated loyalty, dedication, and love to persons with direct lived experience and their family members. Therefore, through his/her love, support and friendship, this special animal has made a significant impact on behavioral health, one person at a time.
Learn More and Apply: John Henry Award (Service Animal)
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If you have any questions or are unable to submit the application please contact Natalie Rivera at nataliea.rivera@hca.nm.gov or by phone at 505-490-3926.