NAMI Greater Houston Announces 2026 Heroes of Hope Luncheon Honoring First Responders Keynote Speaker: Liz McIngvale

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NAMI Greater Houston Announces 2026 Heroes of Hope Luncheon Honoring First Responders Keynote Speaker: Liz McIngvale

Houston, TX — January 23, 2026 — NAMI Greater Houston (NAMIGH) will host the 2026 Heroes of Hope Luncheon on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Hearthstone Country Club, located at 7615 Ameswood Rd, Houston, TX 77095. The event will bring together civic leaders, corporate partners, public safety professionals, and community advocates to honor frontline first responders who demonstrate exceptional courage and compassion while responding to mental health crises across Greater Houston.

The Heroes of Hope Luncheon was originally created to spotlight and celebrate Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officers of the Quarter, recognizing officers honored throughout the year for exemplary service during mental health–related calls. In the years following COVID-19, the luncheon has taken on heightened importance as first responders continue to face unprecedented emotional, psychological, and operational challenges while mitigating a growing number of community mental health crises.

The 2026 luncheon will feature Liz McIngvale as the keynote speaker. A nationally respected mental health advocate and leader, McIngvale will share insights on resilience, recovery, and the importance of prioritizing mental wellness for those who serve on the frontlines.

The event salutes law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS professionals, dispatchers, and multi-agency teams who exemplify valor, humanity, and leadership in service to the community—often under extraordinary pressure.

All funds raised through the 2026 Heroes of Hope Luncheon will directly support NAMI Greater Houston’s Frontline Wellness Initiative, a peer-led program that provides trauma-informed mental health training, resilience education, and ongoing emotional support for first responders. The initiative is designed to reduce burnout, strengthen mental wellness, and ensure those who protect our community receive the support they need to remain healthy, effective, and mission-ready.

“When we invest in the mental health of first responders, we invest in the safety and well-being of our entire community,” said Angelina Brown Hudson, MPA, Chief Executive Officer of NAMI Greater Houston. “Heroes of Hope is both a tribute to their service and a commitment to their long-term wellness.”

Additional details regarding honorees and sponsorship opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.

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About NAMI Greater Houston

NAMI Greater Houston is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental health conditions through peer-led education, support, advocacy, and community-based programs across a seven-county region.

For more information about the Heroes of Hope Luncheon or the Frontline Wellness Initiative, visit www.namigreaterhouston.org or contact [email protected].

Media Contact:

Angelina Hudson NAMI Greater Houston Email: [email protected] Phone: (713) 970-4419