LANSING, Mich., May 14, 2026 — State Rep. Natalie Price (D-Berkley) has been named the recipient of the 2026 NAMI Legislator Award, presented by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in recognition of her sustained commitment to expanding access to mental healthcare across Oakland County.
The award highlights Price’s work to address critical gaps in the behavioral health system — particularly efforts to move people in crisis out of overburdened hospital emergency departments and into community-based settings where they can receive timely, effective care.
The nomination from Oakland Community Health Network praised Price for “centering the lived experiences of those navigating mental illness” and noted that her advocacy has helped build “a mental health system where individuals receive the right care in the right setting at the right time.”
“Mental healthcare is healthcare, and every person in crisis deserves a real path to recovery — not a waiting room,” said Price. “I’m grateful to NAMI and Oakland Community Health Network for this recognition, but the real credit belongs to the community partners, families and advocates who have trusted me with their stories and pushed me to do more. This work is about building a system grounded in dignity, and we still have a long way to go.”
Price has built a reputation for engaging directly with behavioral health organizations, service providers and constituents to ensure that policy reflects the realities of people navigating the mental health system. Her office has worked closely with regional partners to reduce stigma and strengthen access to care for thousands of Oakland County residents.
The NAMI Honors program recognizes legislators, advocates and community leaders whose work has made a meaningful difference for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
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