2009 Conference Highlights: June 13
Centennial Conference Ends With Exciting Discussions
Military mental health leaders and veterans explore the mental health issues of veterans, servicemen and women, their families
Mark Benjamin, an award-winning reporter with Salon.com, moderated a panel that includes Brig. General Lorree K. Suttton, director of the Defense Center of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury; Matt Kuntz, executive director of NAMI Montana and recognized by President Obama as one of 18 Ordinary Americans Who Have Made an Extraordinary Difference; and Rick Weidman of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
The focus of the discussion was on ensuring service men and women receive quality care.
"At no time has so much been so placed on the shoulders of so few, for so many for so long," said Brig. Gen. Sutton.
"Until we shift the paradigm from sickness to wellness it is not going to get better," said Weidman, of the recovery model needed for America's veterans.
Two Texans honored for the advocacy and dedication to improving the lives of mental health consumers
Dr. Jerry Grammer of Austin Receives Sandy Brandt Volunteer Service Award
Mental Health honored leading mental health advocate Dr. Jerry Grammer, a clinical psychologist in Austin, Texas, received the Sandy Brandt Volunteer Service Award for his dedication to providing quality treatment and services to mental health consumers, and for his successful advocacy. The award is named for Sandy Brant, a long-time Mental Health America volunteer who exemplifies unselfish commitment to the mental health movement.
"Dr. Grammer's unwavering commitment to the mental health movement should serve as a benchmark for all of us in the advocacy community," said David Shern, Ph.D., president and CEO of Mental Health America. "We are proud to honor someone who has dedicated his life and career to improving the lives of mental health consumers and their families."
Carter honored as the 2009 mpower Awardee
Taylor Carter, Austin, Texas, was inspired to make a difference when she saw how her younger brother, who is diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, was treated by people in her community. At the age of 12, Taylor wrote her first advocacy letter to her Representative, informing them of the insurance disparity her family encountered when they sought treatment for her brother's mental illness. It was the first of many letters to legislators.
More recently, Taylor was asked to participate in a student project for a high school other than her own for an anti-stigma video. She spoke openly of her brother as well as her own diagnosis of bi-polar disorder. The faculty was so impressed with the piece that they are now including it in future classes.
She has also spent the last several years volunteering for the former Mental Health Association of San Antonio and for the local children's mental health hospital.
MHA Honors Journalists for Outstanding Mental Health News Coverage
The media play a vital role in educating Americans about the importance of mental health and the reality of mental illnesses. Accurate and responsible coverage demonstrates to the public how mental health affects each person's life and the nation as a whole. Original, thought-provoking journalism and entertainment not only help raise general awareness and shape public opinion, but help all people live mentally healthier lives.
Each year at its Annual Conference, Mental Health America honors professional and student journalists who excel in their reporting and portrayal of mental health issues. A volunteer judging panel selected this year's 14 winning entries for their outstanding quality, educational value and creativity in addressing timely mental health topics.
Advocacy
Jane Howard
Wisconsin United for Mental Health
"Open Minds, Open Doors: A Guide for Reporting"
Local Television
Robert L. Arnold and John Barone
KPRC (Houston, TX)
"Mental Health Crisis"
National Radio
Alix Spiegel
NPR
"Two Families Grapple with Sons' Gender Preferences"
Local Radio
Bryan Thompson
Kansas Public Radio
"Greensburg's Long Road to Recovery"
National Television
Larkin McPhee
PBS
"Depression: Out of the Shadows"
Documentary
Ben Selkow
Sundance Channel/Indie Pix Films
"A Summer in the Cage"
Series
Sharon Salyer
The Herald (Everett, Washington)
"Alone Among Us"
Newspapers with a Circulation Below 100,000
James Carlson
Topeka Capital-Journal
"The Bob Owen Story"
Newspapers with a Circulation Above 100,000
Elizabeth Bernstein and Nathan Koppel
The Wall Street Journal
"A Death in the Family"
Newspapers with a Circulation Above 100,000
Amy Upshaw
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
"The Long Way Home"
National Magazines
Mary Carmichael
Newsweek
"Growing Up Bipolar"
Coverage of Mental Health Research
Yudhijit Bhattacharjee
Science Magazine
"Shell Shock Revisited"
Local/Regional Magazines
Ray Ring
High Country News
"My Crazy Brother"
Local/Regional Magazines
Chandra R. Thomas
Atlanta Magazine
"Suicide Mission"
Special Award Presentation:
The Bell Award for Significant Contributions to Mental Health Journalism
Steve Lopez
The Los Angeles Times
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