Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

Join the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in recognizing consumer/peer leaders in recovery from mental health and/or substance use disorders, as well as TV and film professionals, for their efforts to educate the public about the real experiences of people with behavioral health problems. Through their work, both groups of leaders demonstrate that people can and do recover from these conditions and lead full and meaningful lives in their communities.

Each year, the Voice Awards features a theme that supports SAMHSA’s key Strategic Initiatives and is integrated throughout all facets of the year’s program. In 2012, the awards program will spotlight the strength and perseverance of athletes who face unique challenges in managing mental health and/or substance use disorders while continuing to train, compete, and remain in the public eye. Consideration is being given to consumer/peer leader nominees who educate the public about the behavioral health challenges of athletes and help empower them to begin the journey of recovery. Additional consideration is being given to nominated TV and film productions that accurately and respectfully portray the behavioral health struggles of athletes, their resilience, and their paths to recovery.

The Voice Awards honor consumer/peer leaders who have played a vital role in raising awareness and understanding of behavioral health problems. The awards also recognize TV and film writers and producers who have given a voice to people with behavioral health problems by incorporating dignified, respectful, and accurate portrayals of these individuals into their scripts, programs, and productions.

If you know a consumer/peer leader who has led efforts to promote the social inclusion of people with behavioral health problems; personally demonstrated that recovery is real and possible; and made a positive impact on his/her community, workplace, or school, please nominate him/her for a 2012 Voice Award.

Similarly, if you know of a TV or film production released after April 15, 2011, that contains a positive behavioral health storyline, please nominate it for a 2012 Voice Award.

Nominations are open to anyone and are free. There is no limit to the number of nominations an individual can submit and self-nominations are welcome.

The 2012 Voice Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, August 22, at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, CA. Please revisit the Voice Awards Web site for event updates.