CMHS Consumer Affairs E-News
March 3, 2006, Vol. 06-23

SAMHSA ANNOUNCES SECOND ANNUAL "VOICE AWARDS"
Writer's Guild of America, West, to Partner in Recognition of Entertainment-Industry Professionals

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

CONSUMER VOICE AWARDS

Mental Health Consumers throughout the United States have played a vital role in raising awareness and understanding of mental health problems, and in reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with them. Their work helps to ensure that people are able to access services and supports that assist recovery. In addition, through their leadership and advocacy, they demonstrate that recovery is real and that people with mental health problems are valuable, contributing members of their schools, workplaces, and communities.

For the purposes of the Voice Awards, the term mental health consumers is defined broadly as individuals who have received or are receiving mental health services for a mental health problem.

If you know anyone who has made a particular contribution in the following areas, please consider nominating them for a 2006 Voice Award. Nominees should be mental health consumers who have made outstanding contributions in all of the following areas (self-nominations are welcome):

· Lead efforts to reduce the discrimination and stigma associated with
mental health problems

· Personally demonstrated that recovery is real and possible

· Made a positive impact on their community, workplace, and/or school

Additional consideration will be given to nominees who have made a positive impact in special populations such as older adults, racially and ethnically diverse groups, and rural communities.

To make a nomination, please submit a short essay that includes the following:

Consumer's name and contact information Your name and contact information A description (500 word maximum) of the contributions of this person as they relate to the three criteria listed above

Nominations are free and open to anyone. , and self-nominations are welcome. ALl nominations must be received by April 21, 2006 and must be sent by electronic mail to: voiceawards@hotmail.com. If you do not have access to the Internet through a personal or business computer, keep in mind that most communities have libraries with free Internet access.
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The Center for Mental Health Services is a component of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States Department of Health and Human Services.