National Alliance on Mental Illness
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Arlington, VA - The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) will honor 46 psychiatrists with its 2002 NAMI Exemplary Psychiatrists Awards during the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association in Philadelphia, PA on May 22, 2002. The awards will honor psychiatrists who have made substantial contributions and exhibited leadership in serving people with mental illnesses, especially in multicultural communities and with children and adolescents.

"These are the doctors that have gone the extra mile in treating their patients by providing extraordinary care for often under-served populations," said NAMI Executive Director Richard Birkel. "They reflect the cutting edge of the U.S. Surgeon General's most recent reports on mental health. They are helping our most vulnerable consumers and families to regain their lives."

Over the past 11 years, NAMI has presented awards to more than 800 exemplary psychiatrists serving people with severe mental illnesses. To qualify for the awards, psychiatrists must set an example for professional colleagues - not only by guiding people to recovery, but also by demonstrating leadership and perseverance in one or more of the following areas:

• Fighting Stigma: Has routinely worked to fight stigmatizing and stereotyping portrayals of people with brain disorders through speaking out, letter writing or similar activities.

• Fighting Discrimination: Has been a leader in fighting injustices and discrimination against people with brain disorders by taking a public stand against discriminatory policies in public or private systems of care, housing or employment.

• Increasing Public Understanding of Brain Disorders: Has routinely worked to educate the public about brain disorders and the people who have them - through public speaking, participation in public education programs, or similar events.

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