The STARR Coalition proudly presented the 2024 Lew Yagodnik Award—affectionately known as the Lewey—to Greg Hansch, Executive Director of NAMI Texas and one of STARR’s founding members. This award recognizes an individual whose unwavering dedication has meaningfully advanced mental health advocacy. For Greg, this recognition is both well-earned and long overdue.

Presented by last year’s Lewey recipient, Michelle Roberts, this year’s award celebrates Greg’s exceptional leadership and impact. Since joining NAMI Texas in 2012, Greg has led with vision and tenacity, advocating for policies that expand access to mental health care across the state. His impact includes championing funding for 988, promoting suicide prevention initiatives, expanding Coordinated Specialty Care programs, and elevating the role of Clubhouses in recovery and independence. A Licensed Master Social Worker and a family member of someone living with serious mental illness, Greg’s advocacy is both professional and deeply personal.

Greg’s commitment extends far beyond legislative work—he engages communities at health fairs, testifies at the Texas Capitol, and presents regularly at state agencies and conferences. He recently co-authored a chapter in Redesigning the US Mental Health Care System (Oxford University Press), and during a recent Senate testimony, even a power outage couldn’t stop him—he used his phone’s flashlight to continue reading his remarks.

In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Greg reflected on 12 years of advocacy, gratitude for his “small but mighty” team at NAMI Texas, and a shared belief in the power to create change. Citing Patrick Kennedy, he reminded us that mental health advocacy is more than a career—it’s a calling.

Congratulations, Greg—your passion, persistence, and unwavering kindness shine through in everything you do. The STARR Coalition is incredibly fortunate to have you as part of our community, and the people of Texas are even more fortunate to have you in their corner, fighting every day for a better, more compassionate mental health system. Thank you for being a true champion and an inspiration to us all. ❤