FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Munji Nfor, Ext. Affairs and PR Manager
Email: Munji.Nfor@integralcare.org
Mar. 25, 2026 (AUSTIN, TX) – Integral Care was recognized today at the 2026 Community Advancement Network (CAN) Celebration, Together We CAN, for its pivotal role in expanding Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training across Central Texas. This year, the annual celebration was held on March 25 at the Housing Authority of the City of Austin, honoring organizations and collaborations that demonstrated exceptional commitment to community well-being in 2025.
At the event, CAN presented the prestigious Butler Awards, named after Fred Butler, the organization’s first Executive Director. The recipients of the awards were individuals and partnerships that have exemplified CAN’s mission to bring people and organizations together to collectively and address critical community needs.
This year’s “Transformational Impact” honorees were selected for their leadership in making CAN’s Mental Health First Aid Challenge a success. The Travis County Mental Health Authority received special recognition in two categories: Awardees Recognized for Training 75+ Employees in Mental Health First Aid, Organizations That Funded Mental Health First Aid Trainings. Integral Care’s MHFA training team also received recognition for their ongoing coordination, expertise, and delivery of MHFA training opportunities throughout the community.
Integral Care’s Mental Health First Aid Training Team Recognized:
- Alex Elder, QMHP Team Lead
- Esmeralda Piñones-Hux, MHFA Instructor and QMHP
- Leylee Morris, Program Manager
- Liz Reep
Integral Care has been a leading provider of Mental Health First Aid training since 2010, equipping more than 19,000 Central Texans with lifesaving skills to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health or substance use challenges. This includes 4,800 individuals trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid, strengthening support networks for young people across the region.
“Mental Health First Aid plays a critical role in building a compassionate, informed community prepared to respond to mental health needs with confidence, care, and early intervention,” said CEO of Integral Care, Jeff Richardson.
About Integral Care:
Integral Care improves the lives of adults and children living with mental illness, substance use disorder and intellectual and developmental disabilities in Travis County. Our services include a 24-hour helpline for anyone who needs immediate support, ongoing counseling to improve mental health, drug and alcohol treatment to help with recovery, and housing to regain health and independence. As the Local Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority, Integral Care has pioneered high-quality, community-based care since 1967, collaborating with partners to build a supportive network and combat mental health stigma in Austin.
To learn more about Integral Care, visit our website at: www.integralcare.org
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