About Our Mental Health Stars Event
Why Mental Health Stars Was Created
Mental Health Stars of El Paso was launched as the signature fundraising event for Family Service of El Paso following the retirement of longtime Executive Director Richard Salcido. What began as a moment of transition has evolved into an annual tradition that celebrates impact, strengthens visibility, and raises critical support for our mission.
Each year, we honor individuals and community partners who have made a lasting difference in El Paso’s mental health landscape. It’s also a chance to spotlight the nearly 50 student interns who graduate from our training program each year—helping us shape the next generation of therapists while expanding access to care for our community.
This event serves as both a reflection of where we’ve been and a vision of where we’re going. In the years ahead, we hope to grow its reach while continuing to honor those who lead, serve, and heal through mental health.
Meet This Year’s Award Recipients
"Our Mental Health Stars event is a great way to support our mission and to recognize partners and mental health leaders in our community."
- David Chayer Executive Director
2025 Richard Salcido Lifetime Achievement Award
Sharon Butterworth
Sharon Butterworth has made a transformative impact on mental health in our community and across Texas.
About Sharon Butterworth:
Sharon has spent more than two decades working to improve services for and change the perceptions about people with mental illness in our region and across the state.
“One in every five people has a mental health condition. That means approximately 150,000 El Pasoans have some sort of mental health issue – depression, schizophrenia, bipolar, eating disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, attention deficit disorder, etc." - Sharon Butterworth, El Paso Inc. Sept. 21, 2015
Sharon has served as a community advocate and leader on multiple local and state boards dedicated to mental health and social services. She travels frequently to Austin to engage with state leaders and brings state leaders to El Paso to learn about the needs in our community. She’s earned many awards for her volunteer work. Because of Sharon Butterworth’s dedicated leadership, Texans with mental illness have a better chance of finding effective treatment and leading productive, fulfilling lives.
Source:
Paso del Norte Community Foundation. (n.d.). Sharon Butterworth Fund for Behavioral Health. Retrieved April 1, 2025, from https://pdnfoundation.org/give-to-a-fund/sharon-butterworth-fund-for-behavioral-health
2025 Community Partner Award
NAMI El Paso
NAMI El Paso is being recognized for their dedication and commitment to our shared mission. Their ongoing efforts as a local community chapter have been instrumental in increasing mental health awareness and reducing stigma throughout El Paso.
About NAMI El Paso:
In 1985, Elvia Rubalcava, Clifford J. Reuschlein, and Gregorio Luna had been waiting for some time in the emergency room at R.E. Thomason General Hospital, now known as the University Medical Center. These individuals found themselves frustrated and dismayed by the lack of information on services, and help for individuals and families in need of services. Mr. Reuschlein was familiar with the Alliance for the Mentally Ill (now the National Alliance of Mental Illness). In 1986, after overcoming challenges and rejections, the El Paso Alliance for the Mentally Ill, now known as the National Alliance of Mental Illness in El Paso, was established along with the creation of the articles of incorporation, nonprofit status, and bylaws.
In 2013, former Board President Richard Salcido, led the charge in applying for a grant from the Think.Change Initiative from the Paso del Norte Health Foundation. Soon there after, Family Service of El Paso and NAMI El Paso were granted the People Empower El Paso Grant, and have seen significant growth therefor after.
NAMI El Paso is a grassroots organization that harnesses the considerable passion of our volunteers who are dedicated to transforming El Paso’s experience and understanding of serious mental health conditions.
Source:
NAMI El Paso. (n.d.). Mission & Vision. Retrieved April 1, 2025, from https://www.namiep.org/mission-vision/NAM
2025 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
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Shooting Star Sponsors
Official Radio Sponsor
Official Media Sponsor
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