Awards Program Seeks to Honor Five Innovators in the Depression Community
September 12 2006 - 10:05AM
PR Newswire (US)
Nominate Yourself or Someone You Know for a Welcome Back Award NEW
YORK, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- For the first time ever,
heroes in the depression community can nominate themselves for the
prestigious Welcome Back Awards, a national awards program that
recognizes those who have made great achievements in the depression
community. Each year, five honorees receive up to $15,000 to donate
to the not-for-profit organization of their choice. As in the past
eight years, participants can still nominate someone they know who
has made a difference in the depression community. The Welcome Back
Awards are sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company. Individuals from
every walk of life have received recognition for battling the
stigma associated with depression and promoting a better
understanding that the illness is treatable. In May 2006, Dr. Joan
Esnayra was honored with the Primary Care award for her work
developing the Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) therapeutic model,
which involves training service dogs to complete tasks like waking
up their owners in the morning, encouraging exercise and even
reminding their owners to take their medication. Dr. Esnayra has
helped thousands of mentally ill individuals learn how to train and
use their own PSD on the road to recovery. "The Welcome Back Awards
honor people who have worked hard to make a difference in their own
lives as well as in the lives of those who have depression," said
Sue Bergeson, president of the Depression and Bipolar Support
Alliance and member of the Welcome Back Awards selection committee.
"Each year we are humbled by the amazing strides the applicants
have made in the depression community. This year, we look forward
to seeing even more examples of success and triumph over this
devastating illness." An independent panel of mental health experts
will select honorees in five categories: lifetime achievement,
destigmatization, community service, primary care and psychiatry.
Winners will share a total of $55,000, to be donated to the
not-for-profit organizations of their choice. The winners will be
honored during a ceremony in May 2007, which will be held in San
Diego, California. Each award recipient and one guest will receive
complimentary airfare and accommodations to attend the ceremony.
How to Nominate Someone Anyone, except employees of Lilly, may be
nominated for a Welcome Back Award. This year, people can also
nominate themselves for an award, in addition to nominating someone
they know. Nomination forms can be obtained by calling
1-800-463-6440, or by visiting http://www.welcomebackawards.com/.
All submissions for consideration must be received by November 13,
2006. Completed nomination packets should be sent to: The 2007
Welcome Back Awards, P.O. Box 536, New York, NY, 10008-0536. About
the Award Categories * Lifetime Achievement: Any individual whose
perseverance has helped him or her overcome clinical depression and
resume a fulfilling life is eligible. This person serves as an
inspiration to consumers and healthcare professionals alike,
offering hope that depression is treatable and obstacles to
recovery can be overcome. (Award level: $15,000) *
Destigmatization: Any individual whose noteworthy public efforts
have helped promote the understanding of depression and reduce the
shame and guilt associated with the illness. (Award level: $10,000)
* Community Service: Any individual whose outstanding work creating
and improving community programs fosters a supportive, caring
environment for those suffering from depression. (Award level:
$10,000) * Primary Care: Any healthcare professional --
psychologists, physicians, social workers or nurses -- whose unique
approach to identifying particular needs in depression diagnosis
and treatment serves as an example to others. (Award level:
$10,000) * Psychiatry: Any psychiatrist who transcends the
profession through community work, innovative clinical programs,
teaching, new research, outstanding work with patients, or who
makes a significant impact on the community or other medical
disciplines. (Award level: $10,000) About the Welcome Back Awards
Lilly established the Welcome Back Awards in 1998 to fight the
stigma associated with depression and to promote the understanding
that depression is treatable. About Eli Lilly and Company Lilly, a
leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing
portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical
products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide
laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific
organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lilly
provides answers -- through medicines and information -- for some
of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information
about Lilly is available at http://www.lilly.com/. (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051107/WBALOGO )
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051107/WBALOGO DATASOURCE:
Eli Lilly and Company CONTACT: Kristin Campbell of Chamberlain
Communications Group, +1-212-884-0636
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