NCIA Recognized as 2026 Health Care Hero by The Daily Record

NCIA has been named a 2026 Health Care Hero by The Daily Record, earning recognition in the Mental Health Hero category for its work supporting people with co-occurring intellectual disabilities and mental health needs.

The Health Care Heroes awards recognize individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact on the quality of health care in Maryland. NCIA was honored for its evidence-informed and person-centered approach to helping individuals stabilize, remain in community-based settings, and build lives with dignity and support.

“Roughly one-third of individuals with intellectual disabilities experience co-occurring psychiatric conditions, and far too many cycle through emergency rooms, psychiatric hospitals, and fragmented systems of care,” said Carole Argo, president and CEO of NCIA. “This recognition is a testament to our staff’s compassion and commitment to helping people stabilize, remain in community-based settings, and build meaningful lives with dignity and support. We are grateful to The Daily Record for honoring this important work.”

Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Baltimore, NCIA serves people who often need deeper levels of support, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health disorders, those recovering from addiction or homelessness, veterans, returning citizens, and people who are unemployed or underemployed. The organization provides vocational training, youth special education, community living services, meaningful day services, and other comprehensive supports.

In November 2025, NCIA earned the highest level three-year accreditation from the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed for its Behavioral Support Services, Community Living Residential Services and Meaningful Day Services. The recognition places NCIA among only three providers in Maryland to receive the distinction and affirms that the organization meets and exceeds national best-practice standards in areas including crisis prevention, medication oversight, holistic assessment, cultural responsiveness, and rights protections.

“The 2026 Health Care Heroes are exemplary and provide exceptional care to those in need. They are leaders and innovators who serve their communities selflessly and mentor others,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/The Daily Record. “We at The Daily Record are pleased to honor both individuals and organizations that are making a significant impact on the quality of health care in Maryland and beyond. Congratulations to all the recipients.”

The Daily Record selected winners in several categories, including Advancements and Innovation in Health Care, Community Outreach, Lifetime Achievement, Mental Health Hero, Nurse of the Year, Physician Assistant of the Year, Physician of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Workplace Wellness Program of the Year.

Honorees will be recognized during an online celebration on June 18 at 10 a.m.

NCIA says the award reflects its larger mission of empowering people with limited access to opportunities to build fulfilling lives and stronger communities. Through its work, the organization continues to promote independence, equity, compassion, and long-term stability for individuals and families across Maryland and beyond.