Established in 1987, this award recognizes a public figure respected for personal accomplishments and beliefs, who has promoted the improvement of services for people coping with mental disorders and substance abuse, and who has fought stigma by speaking out about experiences with mental illness and psychiatric treatment.

Program Benefits

Plaque, Award lecture

Criteria / Eligibility

Nominees must have a demonstrated record of successfully advocating for the needs of people with mental illness and substance use disorders and may be APA members or non-members, including non-psychiatrists.

Selection Criteria

Nominees for this award should have demonstrated evidence of work that includes the following:

• A public figure known for representing the needs and interests of people with mental illness and substance use disorders.
• A successful record of influencing public policy and/or public opinion.
• Effective promotion of availability and improved quality of services for people coping with mental disorders and substance abuse.
• A record of fighting stigma by speaking out about experiences with mental illness and psychiatric treatment.

Selection Process

The APA's President makes a final selection of the award recipient based on the above criteria. The final selection will be forwarded to the Joint Reference Committee and the APA Board of Trustees for final approval.

Nomination / Application Details

• An open call for nominations will be published in APA communications.
• Self-nominations and nominations by a colleague are accepted.
• Nominations must include the following information:
  • Cover sheet to include:
    • Nominee Name, Email, Preferred contact number.
    • Nominator Name, Email, Preferred contact number (if not a self-nomination).
  • Abbreviated CV (maximum five pages) – It should include professional roles (whether paid or volunteer) in which the nominee worked to advocate for mental health, whether at the local, national, or state levels.
  • Maximum two-page narrative, demonstrating how the nominee exemplifies the selection criteria.

Deadline

June 1 of each year. Submissions will not be considered if they are incomplete or submitted after the deadline.

Notification

Awardee will be notified no later than January 31.

Award Presentation

Award is presented in a lecture at the APA Annual Meeting.

Contact

Austin DeMarco
Office of Scientific Programs
Interim Director
[email protected]