NAMI Northwest is pleased to announce that James Ellis III, Attorney at Law, is the recipient of the 2022 Ray of Hope Award.  NAMI Northwest (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) presents this award to honor individuals in our community who serve persons living with or affected by mental illness.  James has been practicing law in our community for over 20 years.  His dedication to serving the needs of countless individuals and families impacted by mental health conditions has made him our Ray of Hope for 2021 and 2022. He is currently practicing law at his firm in Fremont, Ohio.

NAMI Northwest is pleased to present our CIT Champion of the Year Award to Lieutenant William Duncan of the Huron County Sheriff’s Department. During his many years of service, Lt. Duncan has positively impacted the lives of so many in the communities he serves.  He fully embraces the philosophy of CIT, not only honing his own skills, but passing those skills onto others as well.  Lt. Duncan embodies the character of a true CIT Champion.  Lt. William Duncan is currently a deputy with the Huron County Sheriff’s Office.

NAMI Northwest is pleased to present our second CIT Champion of the Year Award to the Cedar Point Crisis Intervention Team. Lead by Roy Gilson and Charity Cheatham, the Cedar Point CIT Team has assisted over 110 individuals in mental health crises since its inception.  Their dedication to serving the mental health needs of staff and guests is further demonstrated by the addition of the Mental Health Awareness Program for associates. Furthermore, the park’s internal newsletter established a section called the Mental Health Minute to bring more awareness of resources and helpful strategies for those who are struggling.

The 19th Annual Ray of Hope Celebration is being held Sunday, October 23, 2022 at The Neeley Center at Terra State Community College, 2830 Napoleon Road, Fremont, Ohio from 4:30-7:00 PM.  Seats are still available.  For more information, call the NAMI office at 419-334-8021.