2026 ADM Trailblazer Awards

Since 2007, the County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services (ADM) Board has been recognizing individuals and groups who are making an impact on behavioral health through their innovation, service, advocacy and compassion. These awards honor the original trailblazers in our area -- Drs. Fred & Penny Frese, Maggie Carroll Smith, Sister Mary Ignatia, and Dr. Bob Smith.

The 2026 ADM Trailblazer Awards will be presented at the ADM Inaugural Dinner on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at the John S. Knight Center.

The deadline to make nominations is Friday, September 11, 2026, at close of business. Please contact Amy Woodland at 330-564-4052 or at amyw@admboard.org for more information.

About the Awards:
The Maggie Carroll Smith Advocacy Award
Maggie Carroll Smith was the Founding President of the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) of Summit County. She was admired for being a strong advocate for those with mental illness and their families, and worked to make the mental health system more responsive and accountable. Nominees for this award have been dedicated and persuasive advocates for people in recovery.

The Drs. Fred & Penny Frese Education Award
Drs. Fred and Penny Frese worked tirelessly to break down the barriers and stigma faced by those with mental illness through their advocacy and educational efforts. Nominees for this award are similarly making a significant positive impact in educating others to decrease the stigma that affects those with mental illness and/or addiction.

The Sister Ignatia Hope Award
Sister Mary Ignatia, also known as The Angel of Alcoholics Anonymous, was a pioneer in hospital-based treatment for alcoholism who was admired for her insight in recognizing alcoholism as a treatable disease. Her belief in the human spirit and quiet compassion made recovery possible for countless individuals. Nominees for this award demonstrate compassion and kindness and offer hope to inspire change in others.

The Dr. Robert Smith Innovation Award
Dr. Bob Smith, one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous and an Akron resident, believed in the basic worth of each human being. He understood that alcoholism was a difficult disease to battle, but knew that recovery was possible and that sobriety was achievable. Those nominated for this award stand out for their creativity and innovation.

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1. I am nominating for the: (Required.)

The Maggie Carroll Smith Advocacy Award

The Drs. Fred & Penny Frese Education Award

The Sister Ignatia Hope Award

The Dr. Bob Smith Innovation Award

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2. Your name (the person doing the nominating): (Required.)

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3. Your telephone number: (Required.)

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4. Your email address: (Required.)

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5. Name of Nominee: (Required.)

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6. Telephone for Nominee: (Required.)

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7. Email address for Nominee: (Required.)

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8. Please use the space below to describe how the individual(s) being nominated meet the award criteria, and have demonstrated advocacy, education efforts, compassion, and/or creativity and innovation in the fields of mental health and/or addiction. (2,000 character limit.) (Required.)

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* 1. I am nominating for the: (Required.)

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* 2. Your name (the person doing the nominating): (Required.)

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* 3. Your telephone number: (Required.)

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* 4. Your email address: (Required.)

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* 5. Name of Nominee: (Required.)

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* 6. Telephone for Nominee: (Required.)

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* 7. Email address for Nominee: (Required.)

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* 8. Please use the space below to describe how the individual(s) being nominated meet the award criteria, and have demonstrated advocacy, education efforts, compassion, and/or creativity and innovation in the fields of mental health and/or addiction. (2,000 character limit.) (Required.)

1. I am nominating for the: (Required.)

2. Your name (the person doing the nominating): (Required.)

3. Your telephone number: (Required.)

4. Your email address: (Required.)

5. Name of Nominee: (Required.)

6. Telephone for Nominee: (Required.)

7. Email address for Nominee: (Required.)

8. Please use the space below to describe how the individual(s) being nominated meet the award criteria, and have demonstrated advocacy, education efforts, compassion, and/or creativity and innovation in the fields of mental health and/or addiction. (2,000 character limit.) (Required.)