Lt. Governor’s Challenge — Behavioral Health Leadership Awards
What is the Lt. Governor’s Challenge?
The Lt. Governor’s Challenge honors the people and organizations strengthening behavioral health and well-being across Delaware. The 2026 Challenge reflects the broad work of the Delaware Behavioral Health Consortium, including community mental health and substance use, youth and maternal mental health, family and caregiver well-being, workplace mental health, recovery and peer support, and the unique behavioral health needs of first responders and veterans.
The Challenge recognizes leadership, innovation, collaboration, and impact that expand support, strengthen communities, and help improve behavioral health outcomes for Delawareans.
Nominate yourself, your organization, or someone you know.
I’m thrilled to bring back the Lt. Governor’s Challenge to celebrate individuals and organizations in our state who go above and beyond in prioritizing mental health and raising awareness,
said Lieutenant Governor Kyle Evans Gay. As Chair of the Behavioral Health Consortium, it is my honor to celebrate individuals and organizations across our state whose work has changed lives and reduced stigma in Delaware and beyond. In honoring this year's awardees, we are first and foremost saying 'thank you,' and as we continue to learn more about what is working in the First State, we hope that opportunities for connection and care continue to grow statewide.
Why participate in the challenge?
Anyone may submit a nomination, including a self-nomination. Eligible nominees may include individuals; nonprofit, community-based, and faith-based organizations; schools and institutions of higher education; health care and behavioral health providers; recovery and peer-support organizations; businesses and employers, including for-profit entities; municipalities and coalitions; community groups; and State of Delaware agencies and divisions.
Nominees must live, work, serve, or operate in Delaware, and the work being recognized must primarily benefit Delaware residents or communities.
Nominations close Thursday, October 8, 2026. Awardees will be selected by Thursday, November 5, 2026.
Important Dates
Award Categories
Youth Mental Health Champion
Recognizes an individual, organization, school, provider, program, or community initiative advancing mental health and well-being for Delaware youth through leadership, prevention, early intervention, peer support, access to care, advocacy, or innovation.
Community Mental Health Innovation
Recognizes an individual, organization, health care or behavioral health provider, municipality, agency, program, or partnership using innovative or collaborative approaches to strengthen community mental health, substance use prevention and treatment, access to care, peer support, or behavioral health outcomes in Delaware.
Workplace Mental Health Leadership
Recognizes an employer, organization, leader, program, or partnership creating healthier workplaces through mental health supports, stigma reduction, workforce well-being, supportive practices, or improved access to behavioral health resources.
Recovery Champion
Recognizes an individual, organization, provider, peer-support program, or community initiative that strengthens recovery, reduces stigma, expands access to treatment and support, elevates lived experience, or helps Delawareans build and sustain healthier lives.
Maternal Mental Health & Family Wellness
Recognizes an individual, organization, provider, program, or partnership advancing maternal and perinatal mental health, family well-being, caregiver support, equitable access to care, or stronger systems of support for Delaware parents and families.