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August 6, 2003 Contact: Patricia Feeny (503) 945-6955 Program Contact: Jamie Rockwell (503) 945-9708 State seeks nominations for annual mental health excellence awards The Oregon Department of Human Services wants to recognize outstanding contributions to the field of mental health by professionals, advocates, volunteers and consumers. Nomination forms and more information about the 2003 Mental Health Awards for Excellence are available on the DHS Web site. The nominations are due Aug. 27. The awards will be presented Oct. 8 in a ceremony at the State Capitol in Salem. "Take Action to Change the Nation" is this year's theme for the annual Mental Illness Awareness Week, Oct. 5-11. Bob Nikkel, administrator of the DHS Office of Mental Health and Addiction Services, says the theme reflects the importance of the mission and goals of the federal New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. The Commission's report, released July 27, found that recovery from mental illness is now a real possibility. "This past year has presented numerous challenges and hardships because of budget cutbacks and other constraints," said Nikkel. "This is an opportunity for us to acknowledge the caring and dedication of our state, local and community partners, providers, families and the many clients we serve." The annual event is sponsored by DHS, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill-Oregon Chapter and the Oregon Psychiatric Association. |
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