SAMHSA Honors Film, TV, Radio Portrayals of Mental Illness

Writers and producers of "The Aviator," "ER," "Monk," and "Scrubs" were honored recently by SAMHSA with the Agency's first Voice Awards for their positive portrayals of people with mental health problems.

Sponsored by SAMHSA, the Voice Awards recognized film, TV, and radio writers and producers who have created positive, accurate, and dignified portrayals of people with mental health problems.

The gala awards ceremony, hosted by Mariette Hartley and Kathleen Sullivan, was held at the Skirball Cultural Center's Ahmanson Ballroom in Los Angeles, CA, on July 20.

Actors Brooke Shields and Maurice Benard, and Spanish-language television network Univision, were honored for their activities on behalf of mental health awareness. In addition, Neal Baer received a special Career Achievement Award for his work in bringing mental health issues into the mainstream. Mr. Baer is executive producer of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and former executive producer of "ER."

"The entertainment industry is a powerful vehicle for helping shape public opinion," said SAMHSA Administrator Charles G. Curie, M.A., A.C.S.W. "Positive portrayals show the Nation that people with mental health problems do live, learn, work, and fully participate in the American community."

In addition to the entertainment awards, the Voice Awards recognize mental health advocates across the country for their efforts to expand public understanding that mental health problems exist in every community—and affect almost every family—in the United States.

Mr. Baer co-created the character of Maggie Lockhart (portrayed by Sally Field), a woman who is struggling with her bipolar disorder, on NBC's "ER." As executive producer of "Law and Order: SVU," he created several characters with mental health problems.

Ms. Shields recently wrote a book about her experiences with postpartum depression.

Univision devoted extensive coverage to mental health awareness through its intiative, "Salud es Vida . . . ¡Entérate!" (Health Is Life . . . Inform Yourself!).

Program partners of the Voice Awards include the American Psychiatric Foundation, the American Psychological Association, the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, and the Mental Health Media Partnership.

The Voice Awards are part of SAMHSA's Elimination of Barriers Initiative (EBI), a collaborative pilot effort between SAMHSA and eight state mental health authorities in California, Florida, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin.

For more information about the Voice Awards or the EBI visit www.allmentalhealth.samhsa.gov/
voiceawards.

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