Chrissy Barnard, the anesthesia tech department coordinator at Essentia Health, was taken by surprise when she was announced as a recipient of the prestigious Gloria Huntley Award at the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ (NAMI) main convention in Denver, Colorado. Barnard, who traveled to the event in early June, anticipated being a regular attendee, there to learn alongside her peers. Instead, she found herself giving an impromptu speech in front of the assembly.
“I just kind of rambled for like five minutes because I didn’t know what to say,” Barnard shared, reflecting on her unexpected honor.
Recognizing Exemplary Advocacy
The Gloria Huntley Award is a distinguished accolade that “recognizes exemplary advocacy work by an individual or organization at the national or local level,” according to NAMI’s news release. Barnard’s dedication to mental health advocacy certainly fits this criterion. Her email signature boasts nearly 20 different roles at local, statewide, and national levels, showcasing her relentless commitment to supporting individuals with mental illness.
Barnard serves as the executive director for NAMI-Lake Superior South Shore and sits on the NAMI Wisconsin board of directors. She is also a member of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’ Council on Mental Health, chairs the Douglas County Mental Health Coordinated Community Response Group, and is a mental health first aid instructor.
Leading Hope Haven Peer Respite
One of Barnard’s most notable achievements is spearheading Superior’s first respite house, Hope Haven Peer Respite, which is slated to open this year. Hope Haven, where Barnard is the executive director, will feature a 24/7 hotline offering emotional support staffed by volunteers in recovery. A grant from Essentia Health will support this initiative.
Barnard’s personal connection to mental health advocacy fuels her work. Recalling a quote from Picasso, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away,” Barnard emphasizes her dedication to helping others by sharing her own journey of mental health recovery.
“I feel that I have found my gift of mental health recovery and now my purpose is to give others the gift of mental health recovery by leading by example of what recovery can look like,” she says. “I can really connect with my peers who are struggling because I’ve been there. I’ve been to the bottom of the barrel and I’ve crawled my way back up.”
Balancing Multiple Roles with Passion
Barnard, who has been with Essentia for about 14 years, attributes her ability to juggle numerous responsibilities to being well-organized and having a lot of energy, a trait she inherits from her parents. Her passion for her work and the importance she places on helping others keep her motivated.
The Gloria Huntley Award, named after Gloria Huntley whose tragic death in 1996 led to significant mental health reforms, is a testament to Barnard’s impactful advocacy.
“I was surprised, shocked and then grateful,” Barnard said of receiving the award. “My efforts for advocacy are paying off. The most important thing is that I’m able to help other people.”
Barnard’s recognition by NAMI underscores the vital role she plays in advancing mental health advocacy and support within her community and beyond.
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