Mental Health America 2007 Annual Meeting: "Bringing Wellness Home"

Leaders From Human Genome Project, United Way and SAMHSA To Speak

Contact:    Jason Halal, (703) 797-1943 or jhalal@mentalhealthamerica.net

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (April 4, 2007) - Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association) is now accepting registrations for its 2007 Annual Meeting, June 6-9 in Washington, D.C.  The meeting, entitled Bringing Wellness Home, will spotlight "wellness" - a core component of Mental Health America's nearly century-old movement, which has gained renewed focus given the indisputable connection between mental health and overall health.  To download the registration form, visit: www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/annualmeeting.  

This year's meeting offers an exciting selection of speakers, including Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D., director of the National Human Genome Research Institute; Joseph Haggerty, chief operating officer of United Way of America; and administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Terry Cline, along with many other leaders in the field.  Mental Health America will also present the second-annual forWARDS to honor the people, actions and events that have moved the cause of mental health forward in the past year.  Potential honorees include:

• Television personality and comedian/actress, Rosie O'Donnell, for speaking openly about her personal experience with depression;
  
  
• Dove Campaign for Real Beauty, which promotes realistic body image, healthy weight and self-esteem; and
  
  
• Former Maryland gubernatorial candidate, Doug Duncan, for speaking out about his depression and the need to seek treatment.

Featuring over 20 workshops, the meeting offers participants the opportunity to learn from top leaders in the mental health field, hear about cutting-edge research and discuss innovative programs.  Workshops are organized into six tracks: Advocacy, Education and Outreach, Services - Children and Families, Services - Adults, Affiliate Management and Affiliate Resource Development.  In addition, Mental Health America will offer continuing education credits for mental health professionals. 

Other stirring Annual Meeting features include:

• Capitol Hill Rally and Congressional Visits - As Congress considers a variety of mental health-related legislation this year, advocates and consumers will call for lasting change during a rally on Capitol Hill and face-to-face meetings with their senators and representatives.
  
  
• Media Awards Luncheon - A perennial highlight of the Annual Meeting, the Mental Health America Media Awards Luncheon will recognize the best media coverage of mental health issues.

In addition, Mental Health America invites nominations for advocates, consumers and other mental health leaders who have shown distinction in their efforts to improve Americans' mental health.  The awards nomination guide is available at http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/annualmeeting.   The deadline for nominations has been extended to April 16, 2006.

For more information on the 2007 Annual Meeting, workshops, awards and exhibits, or to register, visit http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/annualmeeting. 

Mental Health America is the country's leading nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives.  With our more than 320 affiliates nationwide, we represent a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation - everyday and in times of crisis.

###