Champions

Peers who have endured the sting and burden of a major mental illness or a severe substance use condition have made remarkable contributions to our field that we must not take for granted.

Many people have come forth to reveal that the Affordable Care Act saved their lives. All of this has raised questions about the early death of persons with mental health, substance use, and intellectual development and disability conditions.

We salute President Obama for convening the task force, the task force itself for producing a very well-reasoned action report in a very short period of time, and the Kennedy Forum for serving as the clarion voice of advocacy.

The 2016 Behavioral Healthcare Champion Awards honor CEOs and executive directors of behavioral health organizations whose leadership, business achievements and professionalism inspire excellence. Submit your nomination by May 20!

Earlier this year, the president asked Congress to appropriate $1.1 billion in new funding to help every American with an opioid use disorder who wants treatment get the help they need.

This year, the president, the congress, state governments, counties, cities, and the courts are aligned in one direction. They all recognize that we need to reform our current practices related to jail and prison incarceration. 

Because 2016 coincides with a presidential election, national issues will be framed in extreme and simple terms leading to some confusion. Recognize how the issues interact with each other, especially for today's behavioral health leaders.

With the clarion cry, “Our destination is dignity,” they set out across the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The Destination Dignity March proved to be a landmark event in the annals of American mental health.

Don't hide all that success. Nominate a great leader for the 2015 Behavioral Healthcare Champion Awards.