SAMHSA’s Award-Winning Newsletter
September/October 2010, Volume 18, Number 5 

photo of a young woman holding a video camera

What a Difference a Friend Makes: Contest Winners

Thanks to everyone who entered their videos and essays to SAMHSA’s “What a Difference a Friend Makes” contest. Your entries demonstrated the importance of peer support and acceptance in a friend’s recovery from a mental health problem or through a tough time.

Grand Prize and Runners-Up

Francesca Pileggi of Glen Mills, PA, is the grand prize winner for her video, “Always Be There.” She received a trip for two to attend the recent Voice Awards celebration in Los Angeles, CA. Her video was showcased at the event.

The runners-up—Jonathan Ehinger for “Supreme Teens” and Diane McDaniel for “Friendship: Hope for Mental Illness”—and essay contest winners Susan Putnins for “A Promise” and John Rundle for “Norma” each received a Flip MinoHD™ video camera.

Check out the winning submissions.


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September/October 2010 Homepage


  Cover Story & Related Articles  
Health Reform: What You Need To Know

Health Reform: What You Need To Know

Health reform signals major changes for those with behavioral health needs.



  From the Administrator  
Leading Change

Leading Change

SAMHSA is taking a lead role in shaping health care reform policies. Read more.



  Suicide Prevention  
National Action Alliance Convenes

National Action Alliance Convenes

Launching a public-private collaboration to address the suicide crisis.

Breaking the Silence

Breaking the Silence

How many college students are lost to suicide each year?

Suicide Prevention Resources



  Military Families  
National Guard Trains Providers

National Guard Trains Providers

Behavioral health treatment providers experience boot camp.

November Is Military Family Month

November Is Military Family Month

A presidential proclamation and Veterans Day honor the Nation’s service members.

Real Warriors Get Help

Real Warriors Get Help

Behavioral health services are needed now more than ever.



  Oil Spill Update  
New Helpline for Gulf Coast Residents

New Helpline for Gulf Coast Residents

Toll-free helpline provides support. Call 1-800-985-5990.



  HIV/AIDS  
Hip-Hop Culture Builds Awareness

Hip-Hop Culture Builds Awareness

Hip-hop “Reaches youth where they are.”

Two Recent Conferences

Two Recent Conferences

SAMHSA’s Minority Education Institute, U.S. Conference on AIDS.



  Statistics & Data  
Drug Use Rises among All Ages

Drug Use Rises among All Ages

Drug use increased in 2009, especially marijuana use.



  Recovery Month 2010  
From

From “Active Addiction” to Recovery

At the Recovery Month launch, two people tell their stories. See event photos.



  Communications Update  
In Atlanta: Focus on Behavioral Health

In Atlanta: Focus on Behavioral Health

At the National Conference, SAMHSA officials focused on new technologies.

Scholarship Recipients Offer Feedback

What lessons learned came from attending the communications conference?

Special Session on Behavioral Health

Special Session on Behavioral Health

Why primary care physicians need to know “Behavioral Health is Essential to Health.”



  Older Adults  
In the ER: Older Adults & Illicit Drug Use

In the ER: Older Adults & Illicit Drug Use

How many emergency room visits involved illicit drug use by adults age 50 or older in 2008?



  Teens & Young Adults  
What a Difference a Friend Makes: Contest Winners

What a Difference a Friend Makes: Contest Winners

Entries show the importance of acceptance in recovery from mental health problems.

Violent Behaviors & Teens: Academics & Family Income Key Factors

Violent Behaviors & Teens: Academics & Family Income Key Factors

Nearly 7.8 million adolescents participated in violent behaviors in the past year.



  Also in this Issue  
Voice Awards Honor Former First Lady, Consumer Leaders

Voice Awards Honor Former First Lady, Consumer Leaders

Rosalynn Carter received the Lifetime Leadership in Behavioral Health Award.

New Quick Guide on TIP 42

New Quick Guide on TIP 42

Get at-a-glance information on substance abuse treatment for co-occurring disorders.



  Visit the SAMHSA Store  

Free Publications at Your Fingertips

The new SAMHSA Store offers publications and other Agency products. Visit store.samhsa.gov.

SAMHSA Store Video Tour

View the story of the SAMHSA Store.