Lilly seeks leaders in fight against depression for Welcome Back Awards

New York – The Welcome Back Awards is now accepting nominations to honor individuals dedicated to improving the lives of those suffering from depression. The Welcome Back Awards, now in its 13th year, is a program established by Eli Lilly and Company to recognize outstanding achievements in the fight against depression and the stigma often associated with the illness.

“The Welcome Back Awards continue to motivate healthcare providers and people living with depression to promote a greater understanding of the illness and find new, better ways to provide ongoing support,” said John Hayes, M.D., Strategy Leader for Global Neuroscience Medical Affairs, Eli Lilly and Company. “The program underscores the meaning of commitment and community, and recognizes the important work of people who have gone above and beyond to improve mental health.”

An independent panel of national mental health experts will select honorees in five categories: lifetime achievement, destigmatization, community service, primary care and psychiatry. Winners will receive $10,000, except for the lifetime achievement honoree, who will receive $15,000, to be donated to the not-for-profit organizations of their choice.

Since 1998, the Welcome Back Awards have honored people who have persevered in overcoming depression, helped others to do the same or dedicated significant amounts of time and effort to spread awareness of the illness.

How to Apply for an Award or Nominate Someone Else
Anyone, except Lilly employees, may apply or be nominated for a Welcome Back Award. Nomination forms can be obtained by visiting https://www.lilly.com/responsibility/servingpatients/outcomes/ or calling 212-884-0650. All submissions for consideration must be postmarked by Jan. 1, 2011. Completed nomination packets should be sent to: 2011 Welcome Back Awards, P.O. Box 536, New York, NY, 10008-0536, or faxed to 614-839-7395. Winners will be announced in the spring of 2011.

About the Award Categories

Lifetime Achievement: Awarded to an individual whose perseverance has helped him or her overcome clinical depression and resume a fulfilling life. This person serves as an inspiration to consumers and healthcare professionals alike, offering hope that depression is treatable and obstacles to recovery can be overcome. (Award level: $15,000)

Destigmatization: Awarded to an individual whose noteworthy public efforts have helped promote the understanding of depression and reduce the shame and guilt associated with the illness. (Award level: $10,000)

Community Service: Awarded to an individual whose outstanding work has created and improved community programs that foster a supportive, caring environment for those suffering from depression. (Award level: $10,000)

Primary Care: Awarded to a healthcare professional – psychologist, physician, social worker or nurse – whose unique approach to identifying particular needs in depression diagnosis and treatment serves as an example to others. (Award level: $10,000)

Psychiatry: Awarded to a psychiatrist who transcends the profession through community work, innovative clinical programs, teaching, new research or outstanding work with patients, or who makes a significant impact on the community or other medical disciplines. (Award level: $10,000)