Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

Join the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) Voice Awards program in recognizing consumer/peer leaders and TV and film professionals who educate the public about the real experiences of people with behavioral health problems. Through their work and personal stories of resilience, both groups of leaders demonstrate that people can and do recover from mental health and substance use disorders and lead full and meaningful lives in their communities.

If you know a consumer/peer leader who has led efforts to promote the social inclusion of people with behavioral health problems; personally demonstrated that recovery is real and possible; and made a positive impact on his/her community, workplace, or school, please nominate him/her for a 2013 Voice Award.

Similarly, if you know of a TV or film production released after April 15, 2012, which contains a positive behavioral health storyline, please nominate it for a 2013 Voice Award.

Nominations are open to anyone and are free. There is no limit to the number of nominations an individual can submit, and self-nominations are welcome.

SAMHSA's Voice Awards program honors consumer/peer leaders who have played a vital role in raising awareness and understanding of behavioral health problems. The awards also recognize TV and film writers and producers who have given a voice to people with behavioral health problems by incorporating dignified, respectful, and accurate portrayals of these individuals into their scripts, programs, and productions.

The 2013 Voice Awards ceremony is scheduled for August. Please check back later for nomination and event updates.