ELIGIBILITY
Consumer/peer leaders who have played a vital role in raising both awareness and understanding of behavioral health (mental health and/or addiction issues) and promoting the social inclusion of individuals with behavioral health problems, can be nominated for the 2011 Voice Awards.
In addition, entertainment professionals who have created original TV and film productions that offer a dignified, respectful, and accurate portrayal of individuals with behavioral health problems can also be nominated for the 2011 Voice Awards. Eligible productions, which must have been released after April 15, 2010, include:
- Television: Series, episode, feature, or documentary on broadcast or cable; and
- Film: Feature or documentary.
In 2011, SAMHSA is putting special emphasis on the impact of trauma and the significant effects it can have on individuals, families and friends, communities, and our Nation. Consideration is being given to consumer/peer leaders who have successfully advocated for the rights of trauma survivors and promoted the importance of trauma-informed care. Additional consideration is also being given to TV and film productions that accurately and respectfully portray the experience of trauma, healing, and recovery.
Judging and Criteria
Nominated consumer/peer leaders will be evaluated based on their outstanding contributions in all of the following areas:
- Led efforts to promote the social inclusion of individuals with trauma histories and behavioral health problems;
- Personally demonstrated that recovery is real and possible; and
- Made a positive impact on his/her community, workplace, or school.
Nominated consumer/peer leaders will be reviewed by a panel of judges that includes behavioral health consumer/peer leaders and advocates, as well as representatives from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and communication professionals.
Entertainment nominees will be evaluated based on the criteria listed below:
- Relative importance of the individual with behavioral health problems to the plot, subject matter, or storyline
- Accurate representation of behavioral health information (conditions, symptoms)
- Respectful or sensitive approaches to portrayals of individuals with behavioral health problems
- Portrayal of the concept of recovery from behavioral health problems
- Emphasis on contributions made by individuals with behavioral health problems
- Representations that promote social inclusion and reduce the misconceptions associated with individuals with behavioral health problems
Nominated productions do not need to reflect every element to receive an award. However, the highest ratings are reserved for those productions that emphasize the positive journey of recovery from behavioral health problems.
Entertainment nominees will be reviewed by a panel of judges that includes TV and film writers and producers, behavioral health consumer/peer leaders and advocacy organizations, as well as representatives from HHS and other Voice Awards program partners.
