Hosted by Dr. Mehmet Oz of “The Dr. Oz Show” the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, (SAMHSA) Voice Awards focused on the theme of  “Strengthening Families through Hope and Help,” and spotlighting the positive impact family members have on their loved one’s path to recovery. The Voice Awards recognizes those in the television and film industry and community leaders who work to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders.

Actors Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard with a SAMHSA received the Special Recognition Award as a notable couple who have given their considerable efforts to raise awareness about mental health and addiction. Their support of each other on their respective journeys of recovery, and commitment to helping behavioral health community organizations spoke volumes. Filmmakers Rob Reiner and his son Nick Reiner also received a SAMHSA Special Recognition Award for sharing their personal and difficult family story about supporting Nick on his path to recovery from addiction. Their real-life inspired film, “Being Charlie,” is a Voice Award finalist this year as well. In addition, Yashi Brown, Rebbie Jackson, and Stacy Brown also received a SAMHSA Special Recognition Award for sharing their personal stories of recovery and speaking out about the importance of family support for those living with mental illness and addiction.

Consumer/peer/family leaders who have embraced and promoted the role of meaningful family support in all aspects of prevention, treatment, and recovery also will be honored. The Staglin family in Rutherford, CA, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for their extraordinary contributions to mental health research, and for raising awareness about mental health in their community and nationally. Consumer/Peer/Family Leadership Awards were presented to Sheldon Hill (Detroit, MI), Tiffany Hunsley (Rochester, MN), Julie Magers (Tigard, OR), Ted Streuli (Edmond, OK), and Sally Zinman (Berkeley, CA). The Young Adult Leadership Award will be presented to Joshua Calarino (Miami, FL).

The Voice Awards also recognized writers and producers who feature responsible and respectful portrayals of people with behavioral health conditions in their films and television shows, and highlight the powerful role family support can play for recovery. This year’s finalists include Being Charlie; The Dark Horse; Love & Mercy; Touched with Fire; “Blue Bloods” (CBS); “The Carmichael Show” (NBC); “Empire” (FOX); “Madam Secretary” (CBS); “Mom” (CBS); and “Nashville” (ABC/CMT).

It was a lovely evening full of inspiration and hope to educate, share, and learn from each other about mental illness. For additional information on SAMHSA and how you can contribute please click HERE. To keep up with The Staglins and follow their effort in support of spreading awareness in hopes for a cure for mental illness click HERE.