Nominees sought for May 4 mental health awards
Mental Health America of Hawaii is will host the Fifth Annual Mental Health Mahalo Awards Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 4, at the Ala Moana Hotel, 410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu.
The event will celebrate the community leaders and agencies that have dedicated themselves to improve the care and treatment of people with mental health problems through positive and innovative programs and leadership, and worked to reduce the stigma of mental illness. Awards will be made in these categories:
- Outstanding Community Mental Health Leader – For any individual or community organization that has enhanced service to the mental health community. Criteria include providing services for a significant length of time, demonstrating cultural competence, initiating groundbreaking new programs, advocating for mental health in the larger community, enhancing the leadership of others, reducing stigma and demonstrating heart-felt passion.
- Outstanding Government Mental Health Leader – For any government individual or governmental agency which has developed and implemented groundbreaking programs or services that meet an unmet community mental health need with quality, effectiveness, efficiency, and cultural competence, and/or spearheaded changes in public policy that have had positive impact on those in Hawaii suffering from mental illness.
- Outstanding Business – For a company that provides innovative workplace programs, benefits and services designed to prevent mental illness and support mental wellness of employees and their families, and/or shows support for persons with mental illness by hiring, training and supporting people who are suffering from serious mental illness.
- Outstanding Adult Mental Health Consumer Advocate – For someone who has experienced mental illness and acts as a strong representative and advocate to improve mental health treatment and services for others. This could mean working as paid staff or volunteer, being a spokesperson and speaking out about his or her illness, educating or mentoring others, and/or advocating at the legislature or with state agencies.
- Outstanding Youth Mental Health Consumer Advocate – For a person 24 years and under who has experienced mental illness and who acts as a strong representative and advocate to improve mental health treatment and services. This could mean working as paid staff, intern or volunteer, being a spokesperson and speaking out about his/her illness, educating or mentoring others, and/or advocating at the legislature or with state agencies.
