NMHA Recognizes Outstanding Service in Mental Health Field

National Mental Health Association
Tuesday, 8 June 2004

Three Awards Will Be Presented at Opening of NMHA's Annual Conference in D.C.

The National Mental Health Association will present three awards to members of the mental health community who have worked toward helping others better understand and cope with mental illness. The following awards recognize organizations and individuals whose commitment to mental health and people with mental illness serve as leading examples of innovation, involvement and empowerment.

Innovation in Programming Award — The Training, Education and Consultation (TEC) Family Center of the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania

The Training, Education and Consultation (TEC) Family Center of the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania will be recognized with the Innovation in Programming Award for its dedication in responding to the needs of parents, siblings, spouses, partners and children of adults with mental illnesses. This award is given to Mental Health Associations who implement state-of-the-art ideas and research in the mental health field and incorporate the involvement and empowerment of people with mental illness into their programming.

Sandy Brandt Volunteer Service Award — Pender McElroy of Charlotte, North Carolina

Pender McElroy of Charlotte, North Carolina will receive the Sandy Brandt Volunteer Service Award for 17 years of volunteer work on behalf of people with mental illness. McElroy, a past president of the Mental Health Association of North Carolina, has served on their board for 12 years. Currently, McElroy is the Secretary-Treasurer for the board of NMHA and is also on the board of the MHA of Central Carolinas. The Sandy Brandt Volunteer Service Award is presented to an individual for extraordinary volunteer service and ongoing commitment to the mission of MHAs.

Betty Humphrey Cultural Competency Award — The Mental Health Association in North Carolina's Hispanic/Latino Community Outreach Program

The Mental Health Association in North Carolina's Hispanic/Latino Community Outreach Program will receive the Betty Humphrey Cultural Competency Award for its outstanding efforts to improve North Carolina's mental health care network for the Latino community. This award is given to a Mental Health Association for outstanding achievement in the creation of a culturally competent services program that addresses racial, ethnic and cultural disparities in the mental health and substance abuse system.

"These individuals and organizations are leading the way for improved mental healthcare, cultural competency and consumer empowerment in our nation," said Michael Faenza, CEO and President of NMHA. "Their commitment and selfless hard work is an example for others to follow."

The Innovation in Programming Award, Sandy Brandt Volunteer Service Award and Betty Humphrey Cultural Competency Award will be presented at the opening night dinner of NMHA's annual conference, Justice for All: Fighting for America's Mental Health, in Washington D.C., on June 9, 2004.

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