Crider presented 2026 Richard M. Fairbanks Award

State Sen. Michael Crider (R-Greenfield) was presented with the 2026 Richard M. Fairbanks Award during the annual Circle of Hope event held by the Community Fairbanks Recovery Center.

The Richard M. Fairbanks Award is presented to Hoosiers who have made a positive impact on substance use disorder recovery. Crider was recognized with the 2026 award for his contribution to supporting individuals with substance use disorders and helping them find a path to recovery.

"Advocating to improve access to care for those suffering from mental health and addiction issues has always been a priority for me, and it is extremely humbling to receive such a high honor and join a distinguished list of prior recipients who have made such a positive impact throughout Indiana,” Crider said. “I am grateful to see the progress we have made throughout the years, but this is only a steppingstone in the work that needs to be done to continue helping the Hoosiers suffering from these mental health issues. I will continue to dedicate myself to advocating for these Hoosiers and helping wherever I can in the mental health space."

The Community Fairbanks Recovery Center is a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center providing outpatient addiction medicine, family counseling, recovery housing and long-term recovery management. Every year they hold a Circle of Hope event that celebrates recovery, hosts keynote speakers and honors the Richard M. Fairbanks Award recipient.

According to the Center, Crider was presented with the 2026 Richard M. Fairbanks Award "in recognition of his longstanding commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by substance use disorder and mental illness. Throughout his tenure in the Indiana General Assembly, Senator Crider has championed legislation that expands access to care, strengthens Indiana's behavioral health workforce, and removes barriers to recovery. His work includes authoring legislation to extend Indiana's syringe exchange program, advancing licensure compacts and licensing reforms that help attract and retain mental health professionals, and supporting opportunities for individuals in recovery to serve as certified peer recovery coaches.

Senator Crider has also been a leading advocate for broader behavioral health system improvements in Indiana and has been recognized statewide for his efforts to improve access to mental health care and recovery services. Through his leadership, compassion and dedication to evidence-based solutions, Senator Crider has helped create stronger pathways to treatment, recovery and hope for countless Hoosiers."