Awards recognize advocacy for individuals with mental illnesses and addictions

The National Council for Behavioral Health (National Council) is now accepting nominations for the 2014 Advocacy Leadership Awards, supported by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, to recognize individuals and organizations that have led community, state, and federal advocacy and public policy efforts to expand access to services and supports for persons with mental illnesses and addictions.

Nominations are accepted in three categories:

• Individual Achievement in Advocacy: Recognizing an individual engaged in outstanding work in behavioral health policy and legislative or regulatory advocacy.
• Organizational Achievement in Advocacy: Recognizing a behavioral health organization that has achieved significant results through advocacy for local, state, or federal legislation, regulations, or other public policies that increase access to mental health and addiction treatment services.
• Elected Official Service in Advocacy: Recognizing a state or local elected official — a governor, mayor, county board official, elected attorney general, or other official — who has promoted public policies that increase access to mental health and addiction treatment services.

Honorees receive five thousand dollars to be donated to a nonprofit of their choosing and are recognized at a memorable red carpet event in conjunction with the National Council’s 2014 Conference and Hill Day in Washington, DC.

The Advocacy Leadership Awards are a part of the National Council Awards of Excellence, incorporating 20 categories in total. All nominations are accepted through an online submission process and must be completed by October 31, 2013.