Advisory

SAMHSA ANNOUNCES SECOND ANNUAL “VOICE AWARDS”

WASHINGTON — The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration today announced that the second annual Voice Awards will take place on August 23 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The Voice Awards honor writers and producers of television programs and movies who provide accurate portrayals of people with mental illnesses.

SAMHSA is partnering with the Writers Guild of America, west, as well as other organizations including: Ad Council; American Psychiatric Foundation; American Psychological Association; National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors; the Mental Health Media Partnership; NARSAD, the Mental Health Research Organization; and United Behavioral Health, to give voice to people with mental health problems .

Nominations for the Voice Awards will be accepted through Friday, April 7, 2006. Nominations are accepted on line at www.allmentalhealth.samhsa.gov/voiceawards . Eligible honorees include entertainment industry writers or professionals who have created an original production that depicts recovery from mental health problems; portrays people with mental health problems in a respectful, accurate and dignified manner; covers the topic of mental health with sensitivity and accuracy; and highlights the contributions people with mental health problems make to their families, friends, workplace or community. Nominations are also being accepted to honor outstanding efforts of mental health consumer leaders who have helped reduce stigma associated with mental illness.

The program was launched last year to recognize writers and producers of entertainment programming — television, radio and film — who have helped give voice to people with mental health problems by incorporating dignified, respectful, and accurate portrayals of people with mental health problems. The Voice Awards are part of the National Anti Stigma Campaign, a three-year program sponsored by SAMHSA in conjunction with the Ad Council, to reduce the stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health problems.

WHO: Entertainment professionals — writers and producers

WHAT: Original productions created between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2005, that incorporate dignified, respectful, and accurate portrayals of people with mental health problems

WHEN: Nominations due Friday, April 7, 2006

WHERE: www.allmentalhealth.samhsa.gov/voiceawards

SAMHSA, is a public health agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is responsible for improving the accountability, capacity and effectiveness of the nation’s substance abuse prevention, addictions, treatment, and mental health services delivery system.

SAMHSA is An Agency of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Service