Media Advisory

Contact Communications@thenationalcouncil.org or 301.984.6200, ext. 228.

Washington, DC (December 3, 2007) — The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare is accepting member submissions for its 2008 Awards of Excellence program, which honors community-based provider organizations and individuals that have significantly contributed to mental health and addictions services and improved the lives of those in need of treatment and support.

Each year, the National Council bestows awards to provider organizations, their staff and leaders, consumers and families, community partners and the media for advancing philosophies, messages and programs that have a lasting impact on children, adults and families with mental illness and addiction disorders. The awards recognize the leadership, dedication and innovation of those who serve as the nation's behavioral health safety net and work to ensure that all in need receive quality care.

The 2008 Awards of Excellence will be presented at the Awards Dinner on May 2, 2008 at the Kennedy Library in Boston, MA during the 38th National Council Conference. The honorary event chair is actor, writer and activist Christopher Kennedy Lawford, JD, nephew of President John F. Kennedy.

The National Council is accepting member submissions in the following categories:

• Excellence in Innovation
• Excellence in Community Collaboration
• Excellence in Consumer and Family Advocacy
• Excellence in Grassroots Advocacy
• Lifetime Achievement: Staff Leadership and Volunteer Leadership

The deadline for entries is January 4, 2008. Criteria and submission guidelines are available at www.TheNationalCouncil.org/Awards.  
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The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) association of 1,300 behavioral healthcare organizations that provide treatment and rehabilitation for mental illnesses and addictions disorders to nearly six million adults, children and families in communities across the country. The National Council and its members bear testimony to the fact that medical, social, psychological and rehabilitation services offered in community settings help people with mental illnesses and addiction disorders recover and lead productive lives.