Voice Awards: Nominations Open

You have until March 15, 2009, to enter film or television show nominations for the upcoming Voice Awards.

The awards honor writers and producers who incorporate respectful, accurate portrayals of people with mental illnesses into film and television productions. They also recognize mental health consumers who promote the social inclusion and recovery of people with mental health problems.

To be eligible, a film or television show must have been released after October 1, 2007, and must present mental health problems in a dignified and accurate light. Entertainment industry nominations will remain open until March 15, 2009.

Nominations for mental health consumer community leaders can include those who have promoted social inclusion; demonstrated that recovery is real and possible; and made a positive impact on their workplaces, communities, or schools. Consumer nominations will remain open until May 15, 2009.

Past winners include the television shows “The Sopranos” and “House” and the film Reign Over Me.

For more information or to submit a nomination, visit www.voiceawards.samhsa.gov.