Psychiatr News September 16, 2005
Volume 40, Number 18, page 2
© 2005 American Psychiatric Association
Positive Media Portrayals Win Honors From MH Community
Michele Werner
Michele Werner is the American Psychiatric Foundation's development
officer.
The entertainment industry has a long history of doing a poor job of
depicting mentally ill individuals. Producers and writers who have stepped
outside those clichés, however, are honored for their efforts.
Altha Stewart, M.D., president of the American Psychiatric Foundation, was
joined in July by colleagues from the American Psychological Association, the
Mental Health Media Partnership, and the National Association of State Mental
Health Program Directors in presenting the first Voice Awards. The foundation
served as a Voice Awards program partner.
The awards, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA), honored entertainment industry writers and producers
for their positive portrayals of people with mental health problems.
The event was held in Los Angeles and was hosted by actress Mariette
Hartley and news personality Kathleen Sullivan.
Writers and producers from more than 50 productions were nominated for
Voice Awards. From this group, the writers and producers of the following
productions were named award recipients: "The Aviator,"
"ER," "Huff," "Larry King Live,"
"Monk," "People Say I'm Crazy," "Scrubs,"
"State-side," "Strong Medicine," and "There's No
Such Thing As Crazy."
Stewart presented an award to the writers and producers of the episode of
"ER" titled "A Boy Falling Out of the Sky" and the
Showtime series "Huff."
"The Voice Awards honor dignified, respectful, and accurate
depictions of people with mental health problems," said Stewart.
"As a psychiatrist, I am proud to be part of this ceremony and to
recognize writers and producers that portray mental illnesses compassionately
and recognize that mental illnesses are treatable."
Voice Awards were also presented that recognized the work of mental health
advocates across the country for their efforts to expand public understanding
that mental health problems exist in every community.
The foundation hosted a reception before the event at the home of Marcia
Goin, M.D., an APA past president. The reception drew members of the
psychiatric community from the greater Los Angeles area to learn about the
foundation and to network with their colleagues and Voice Award sponsors.
This event was sponsored through Friends of the Foundation, a foundation
program that holds special events nationwide to raise support for and
awareness of the foundation.
The Voice Awards are part of SAMHSA's Elimination of Barriers Initiative
(EBI), a collaborative pilot effort between SAMHSA and state mental health
authorities in California, Florida, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. The state EBI initiatives work in
partnership with mental health consumers, family members, advocates,
professionals, and national and state mental health organizations.
The American Psychiatric Foundation is a philanthropic and educational arm
of APA. The foundation's mission is to advance understanding that mental
illnesses are real and can be effectively treated.
More information about the foundation is posted at
<www.psychfoundation.org>.
Information about the Voice Awards is posted at
<www.allmentalhealth.samhsa.gov/voiceawards>.
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Altha J. Stewart, M.D. (left), presents a Voice Award to production
staff of the Showtime series "Huff."
Vanguard Communications/Photographer: Albert Postel
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