Press Releases

NAMI Outstanding Media Awards for 2001

Jun 20 2001

Each year, NAMI presents awards to news reporters, editors and producers who have covered stories or issues about mental illness with exceptional accuracy, balance, insight, and sensitivity. Awards also are presented to actors, writers, directors and producers of television shows or motion pictures which portray mental illness compassionately, challenging stereotypes and stigma, and helping to build greater public awareness of the individual dignity of people who live with brain disorders. We both honor and profoundly thank this year's recipients, whose work has set new standards of professional excellence.

  1. INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING-NEWSPAPER

    The New York Times

    "Inquiry Finds Mentally Ill Patients Endured Assembly Line Surgery" (March 18, 2001) and "For Mentally Ill, Chaos In An Intended Refuge" (April 18, 2001) by Clifford J. Levey and Sarah Kershaw

  2. EDITORIAL WRITING-NEWSPAPER

    The Los Angeles Times and The San Francisco Chronicle

    For sustained support of statewide reform of the mental illness treatment system in California. Specific commendations are made to Editorial Page Editor Janet Clayton and writer Alex Raksin of the Los Angeles Times for several Editorials, and Editorial Page Editor John Diaz and writer Ruth Rosen of the San Francisco Chronicle for "State of Neglect: California's 30-Year Failure to Confront Mental Illness" (February 21, 2001).

  3. FEATURE REPORTING-SERIES

    The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

    "Broken Promises: 25 Years After We Unlocked the Mentally Ill" (4-part series: August-September 2000)
    by Meg Kissinger and David Umhoefer

  4. FEATURE REPORTING-PERSONAL PROFILE

    Tbe St. Petersburg Times

    "The Fight of Her Life-Candidate for Florida House District 51 Faced A Cruel and Pitiless Opponent: Depression" (November 12, 2000)
    by Lane DeGregory

  5. FEATURE REPORTING-TELEVISION NEWS MAGAZINE

    ABC Primetime Thursday

    "Carrie's Story: Carrie Fisher Discusses Battle with Drugs & Manic Depression" (December 21, 2001)
    Diane Sawyer, Host
    David Doss, Executive Producer

  6. SCIENCE & HEALTH REPORTING-NEWSPAPER

    The Boston Globe

    "The Changing Face of Mental Illness" (April 17, 2001)
    by Larry Tye

  7. SCIENCE & HEALTH-TELEVISION DOCUMENTARY

    The Discovery Channel

    "Schizophrenia: Stolen Minds, Stolen Lives"
    Bill Cosmas, Executive Producer
    Leslie Weiner, Producer

  8. PUBLIC EDUCATION-TELEVISION

    Idaho Department of Health & Welfare Idaho Public Television

    "Hearts & Minds: Teens & Mental Illness" and "In Our Own Voice"
    Ann Kirkwood, Project Manager
    Marcia Franklin, Producer

  9. PUBLIC EDUCATION-RADIO SERIES

    The Infinite Mind

    Lichtenstein Creative Media

    Dr. Frederick Goodwin, Host
    Bill Lichtenstein, President
    June Peoples, Producer

  10. DRAMA-TELEVISION SERIES

    NBC's "ER"

    Starring Sally Field as Maggie Wycenski in six special episodes depicting a long, difficult struggle with bipolar disorder.
    John Wells, Executive Producer

  11. DRAMA-MOTION PICTURE

    The Caveman's Valentine
    Universal Focus

    Starring Samuel Jackson
    Directed by Kasi Lemmons
    Dr. Cheryl Lemmons, Psychiatric Consultant