Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

CMHS Consumer Affairs E-News
March 28, 2006, Vol. 06-38

SAMHSA Seeks Nominations of Mental Health Consumers to Honor at Second Annual Voice Awards

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) today invited the general public to nominate mental health consumers for recognition at the 2006 Voice Awards. The Voice Awards acknowledge the leadership of mental health consumers - individuals who have received or are receiving mental health services for a mental health problem - in helping to raise awareness and understanding of mental health problems, thus reducing stigma and discrimination nationwide. The awards program also recognizes the writers and producers of television programs and movies that provide accurate portrayals of people with mental health problems.

Mental health consumers throughout the United States have played a vital role in demonstrating that people with mental health problems are valuable, contributing members of their schools, workplaces and communities. Their work to raise awareness and understanding and reduce stigma helps ensure that people are able to access services and supports that assist recovery.

Consumer nominations for the Voice Awards will be accepted through Friday, April 21, 2006, online at www.allmentalhealth.samhsa.gov/voiceawards. Self-nominations are welcome.

Eligible nominees must be mental health consumers who have made outstanding contributions that helped lead efforts to reduce the discrimination and stigma associated with mental health problems; personally demonstrated that recovery is real and possible; and made a positive impact on their communities, workplaces and/or schools. Additional consideration will be given to nominees who have made a positive impact on special populations such as older adults, racially and ethnically diverse groups and rural communities.

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: Mental health consumer leaders

WHAT: Nominations for Voice Awards

WHEN: Nominations due Friday, April 21, 2006

WHERE: www.allmentalhealth.samhsa.gov/voiceawards
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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.