NMHA to Honor Late Sen. Paul Wellstone with “Into The Light” Award

National Mental Health Association
Tuesday, 3 June 2003

Tribute Will Recognize Unparalleled Efforts in Mental Health

The National Mental Health Association (NMHA) will pay tribute to the late Sen. Paul Wellstone with its "Into the Light" award June 5 on Capitol Hill. Wellstone will be honored for bringing mental health and mental illness to the forefront of our nation's public health agenda. Wellstone's surviving son, David, will accept the award.

Wellstone was enormously influential in heightening awareness of the importance of mental health and treatment for mental illness. His efforts to end health insurance discrimination against people with mental illness brought the battle for mental health parity within sight of victory, with the majority of members of Congress supporting the Senator Paul Wellstone Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act of 2003.

"On behalf of the millions of Americans who live in the shadows of mental illness, NMHA is very pleased to recognize one of the most articulate, passionate voices ever to speak on behalf of people with mental illness," said Michael Faenza, NMHA president and CEO.

Each year NMHA's "Into the Light" Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding devotion to improving care, treatment and services for children and adults with mental, emotional and substance abuse disorders. Past honorees include former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher, M.D., Elizabeth Dole, Tipper Gore and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

The National Mental Health Association is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans through advocacy, education, research and service.

For more information, or to contact National Mental Health Association, see their website at: www.nmha.org