Philip Burguières Will Be Honored for Mental Health Advocacy

National Mental Health Association
Tuesday, 3 June 2003

Vice Chairman of the Houston Texans Promotes Awareness of Depression

The National Mental Health Association will honor Philip Burguières, vice chairman of the Houston Texans, with the William Styron Award on Wednesday, June 4, at its annual meeting in Washington, D.C. Named for the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist who struggled with depression, this prestigious award is presented to a public figure who has spoken out about his or her mental health challenges and recovery.

"At the risk of facing the stigma often associated with mental illness, Philip's work to educate executives and CEO's about depression using his own personal story is nothing less than courageous," said Michael Faenza, NMHA president and CEO, "Through his example, Philip has helped many business leaders diagnosed with depression feel less ashamed and more willing to speak out on their own experiences."

Philip Burguières spends a third of his time advocating on behalf of mental health services in his community and works with the World President's Organization, a global organization of more than 3,850 individuals who are or have been CEO's of major business enterprises, to address depression in the workplace. As vice chairman of the NFL's newest franchise football team, the Houston Texans, Philip Burguières has established parity for mental health insurance coverage for employees of the organization.

After a series of personal successes followed often by bouts of despair, Philip Burguières was diagnosed with depression at age 48. Fortunately, he was able to get the treatment necessary to stabilize his condition. As a result of his personal experience with the illness, he is now an outspoken advocate on behalf of executives and CEO's with depression.

The William Styron Award will be presented during the opening night dinner at NMHA's 2003 annual conference, "America's Mental Health Crisis: Finding Solutions Together," on June 4 at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.

The National Mental Health Association is America'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