Crusaders against mental health stigma awarded

TRENTON-The New Jersey Governor’s Council on Stigma today issued the 1st Annual Ambassador Awards to law enforcement, media representatives, educators, corrections, clergy, patient advocates and actor Joey Pantoliano for their efforts to eradicate the unfair stigma that often accompanies mental illness.
 
Council Executive Director Celina Gray cited the “incredible value” of the contributions made by recipients “because they embrace mental health and truly understand the vital role it plays in all our lives” adding that “our work has just begun.”

Gray and all of the recipients noted that stigma often prevents people with mental illness from getting treatment and causes others to treat them with less than the respect they deserve.

Gray also praised Department of Human Service Commissioner Jennifer Velez and Assistant Commissioner for Mental Health Services Kevin Martone for their dedication to abolish stigma and provide services to help people with mental illnesses recover and lead productive lives.

Law enforcement awards were given to Collingswood Police Department for spearheading a program that has trained 21 officers on intervention techniques that help people with mental illnesses avoid jail time by getting the medical treatment they need, and to the Essex County Correctional Facility for a jail diversion program that identifies people who should be referred to healthcare facilities.

Recipient William Devereaux, who created a Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome task force as director of veterans programs for the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, received a standing ovation when he told of the many soldiers who are returning from the battlefield in need of psychiatric treatment.

Media and entertainment awards were given to Tom Davis, a reporter at the Record of Bergen County, who received a media award for his educational column, “Coping With Life;” NJN producer William Sanchez for Images/Imagenes; filmmaker Joseph Greco for his movie “Canvas,” which is based on his experiences with a mentally ill parent; OMUSHA productions for its documentaries on mental illness, and Emmy Award-winning “Soprano’s” actor Joey Pantoliano (played Ralph Cifaretto), who started a nonprofit organization, “No Kidding, Me Too,” after being diagnosed with a bi-polar disorder. Pantoliano was in Washington testifying about stigma at a Congressional hearing but sent a letter of appreciation.

Other recipients included: Astra-Zenaca, a corporate award for funding programs for psychiatric researchers; Bergen Community College for its mental health awareness program; New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome; and Ocean County Mental Health Awareness Committee for its county-wide efforts.

The national ambassador award was given to Kristy Worthen, a woman with mental illness who designed a flag, “Shedding Light,” that has been signed by 37 governors.

Faith-Based Community awards were given to the Rev. John Harris, pastor of Galilee Baptist Church in Trenton and Rabbi Evan Jaffe, president of OPEN ROAD in Hunterdon County, for their efforts to remind people with mental illnesses should be treated with dignity.  Laverne Williams received the Ambassador Award in the Multi-Cultural category for the PEWS (Promoting Emotional Wellness & Spirituality) program she created and directs for MHANJ.  The initiative is aimed at reducing stigma through a better understanding of the relationship between emotional and spiritual wellness in multi-cultural communities.