Adina Peyton, Executive Director of Getting Real About Mental Illness (GRAMI), has been honored with the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Advocate of the Year Award by CIT International.

The award will be presented at the annual conference in Indianapolis from Aug. 26-28, 2024, with over 1,400 attendees expected from law enforcement, behavioral healthcare, and advocacy sectors.

The CIT Advocate Award is given to individuals who have significantly contributed to the CIT program, promoting it as a vital community initiative and advocating for mental health care.

Peyton’s dedication to CIT was sparked by the tragic loss of her son during a mental health crisis involving police. Since then, she has championed CIT training, funding GRAMI’s early efforts and tirelessly working to improve behavioral health care access.

Peyton’s work includes educating officials on the importance of CIT and supporting first responders’ mental health.

Her efforts aim to prevent similar crises and ensure comprehensive care for those in need.

More information about CIT can be found at www.citinternational.org.