The Student Mental Health Advocate Award, created by the University of Michigan, recognizes outstanding student leadership in the area of campus mental health. It honors a student who has helped to create a healthier campus community by raising awareness of mental health issues on campus through education and outreach and/or advocating for mental health services on campus for diverse student populations and/or helping to reduce the stigma of depressive illnesses.
The Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat International Prize in Mental Health is presented annually by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat established the award in 1991 out of a commitment to improve the science base and delivery of mental health services. This international award recognizes individuals, groups or organizations for outstanding achievement in improving mental health. It's accompanied by a medal and $20,000. Each year a selection committee appointed by the IOM reviews nominations based on award criteria that reflect the ideals of Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat. The award is presented at the IOM's October Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.
The Voice Awards acknowledge entertainment writers and producers who give a voice to people with mental health problems by incorporating dignified, respectful and accurate portrayals of individuals with mental illnesses into film and television productions. A program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), the Voice Awards also provide the opportunity to acknowledge the tireless efforts of mental health consumer leaders to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health problems.
The Welcome Back Awards were launched 10 years ago by Eli Lilly and Company to fight the stigma associated with depression and promote the understanding that depression is treatable. Each year, an independent committee of national mental health leaders selects honorees in the following categories: lifetime achievement, community service, de-stigmatization, primary care and psychiatry. These individuals serve as guiding lights for the depression community—people who, through determination and commitment, have made a difference.
The Isaiah Uliss Award is the new name for an award given each year by the U.S. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (USPRA) to a person in recovery for their outstanding leadership. USPRA strongly values the incredible contribution people in recovery make to the advancement of psychiatric rehabilitation. Isaiah Uliss was the first recipient of what was originally called the Person in Recovery Advocate Award. The Isaiah Uliss Award goes to an individual who is, or has been, in recovery from a mental illness and whose leadership is exemplary in the advocacy, operation and/or sustaining of community programs and supports.
Do you know of other mental health "Oscars"? I would welcome your additions to this list. And I encourage you to nominate your heroes for these awards.
