Skip to main content Skip to site navigation

BHC Awards

General information

George Culores Hall of Fame
presented in February
2024 Nomination Form – Deadline 1/16

Recognizes consumer/clients who have made contributions to better the lives of other consumer/clients; shown leadership in the consumer movement or have a personal journey of recovery that inspires and gives hope to others.  

Tony Hoffman Community Mental Health Service Award

The Tony Hoffman Community Mental Health Services Award recognizes individuals, professionals, businesses, and the media who have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of people with mental illness and the communities in which they live. Recognition is given for public education or advocacy to promote mental health awareness and needs or to address stigma; public education and services to provide housing and employment for persons with mental illness; creation of new and innovative programs or community support activities; recognition of fundraising for mental health activities or long-term financial support to mental health programs; or working for new mental health legislation. We also honor mental health consumers who, in their journey of recovery, are able to give back to their peers or the community. Awards are presented each May during Mental Health Month. 

David Lewis Award
presented in September

This award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to substance abuse recovery through successful programs, community education, stigma reduction or client advocacy. David Lewis was a long-term employee of San Mateo County Health. He was the co-founder and president of the Board of Directors of “Free at Last,” a substance abuse treatment and prevention agency in East Palo Alto that seeks to break the cycle of addiction, rebuild families, foster education and economic self sufficiency, and contribute to the health and safety of the community. David was shot and died on June 9, 2010. 

Honoring Family Award
now combined with the Tony Hoffman award above, starting in 2011

The Honoring Family Award recognizes San Mateo County family members or families, including individuals or groups in a supportive family role, for their contributions to improving the lives of families who are impacted by mental illness or behavioral health challenges, or inspiring others by their support of a loved one(s) who is on a path to wellness and recovery. 

Please mail or fax your nomination forms to:
San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commission
Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Attn: Chantae Rochester
2000 Alameda de las Pulgas, Suite 235
San Mateo, CA 94403
Ph: (650) 573-2544
Fax: (650) 573-2841
Email: crochester@smcgov.org