SAMHSA Announces New 'Voice Awards'

SAMHSA Announces New 'Voice Awards'

WASHINGTON, March 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Nominations are now being accepted for the Voice Awards, a new award that honors entertainment industry writers and producers who create positive portrayals of people with mental illnesses. The awards are sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The goal of the new Voice Awards is to recognize writers and producers of entertainment programming -- television, radio and film -- who have given "voice" to people with mental illnesses by incorporating dignified, respectful and accurate portrayals into their scripts, programs and productions.

The Voice Awards were created to honor entertainment industry professionals and mental health leaders who are positive "voices" for people who experience mental illnesses. Joining SAMHSA as program partners are the American Psychiatric Foundation, the American Psychological Association, and the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors.

The Voice Awards will be conferred upon the successful nominees on July 20, 2005, at the Ahmanson Ballroom at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles at a ceremony in their honor. In addition to entertainment industry professionals, the Voice Awards will also recognize the efforts of state mental health leaders.

Those who wish to submit a nomination are encouraged to visit http://www.allmentalhealth.samhsa.gov/voiceawards. Nominations must be received by Monday, April 18, 2005.

The Voice Awards are part of SAMHSA's Elimination of Barriers Initiative, a collaborative pilot effort between SAMHSA and eight state mental health authorities in California, Florida, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. The state initiatives work in partnership with mental health consumers, family members, advocates, providers, and a range of national and state mental health organizations.

SAMHSA is a public health agency within the U.S. 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 service delivery systems.

Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

CONTACT: Leah Young of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, +1-240-276-2130

Web site: http://www.samhsa.gov/ http://www.allmentalhealth.samhsa.gov/voiceawards

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