Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, WPXI-TV, KDKA-TV, WQED Multimedia, and Human Services Center Among Honorees at 3RD Annual Media & Mental Health Awards
Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) October 24, 2013 -- Southwestern Pennsylvania media is leading the movement for building healthier communities through authentic and inspiring journalism. This year, nearly 60 informative stories of hope and perseverance were submitted. The annual SWPA Media & Mental Health Awards, produced by the Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. (EIC) in collaboration with The Staunton Farm Foundation, honored the works of media professionals who accurately report on mental and behavioral health issues within television, radio, print and online media in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The ceremony, with keynote speaker and respected lawyer, author and activist, Brian Cuban, and featured speakers Congressman Ron Klink (fmr.), Director of Communications of People for Pedudo Sonya Toler, FosterHyland and Assoc. Principal Sheila Hyland, WTAE News Anchor/Sports Director Andrew Stockey, and retired KQV broadcaster Frank Gottlieb took place tonight at the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh.
“We are elevating the national conversation on behavioral and mental health through authentic reporting in local news media. This SWPA movement will serve as a national model that can be replicated in other communities across the country,” said Brian Dyak, President & CEO of the Entertainment Industries Council, Inc.
Supporting EIC and the Media and Mental Health initiative in SWPA, Joni Schwager, Executive Director of The Staunton Farm Foundation, stated “we are proud to continue our work in collaboration with the Entertainment Industries Council on this recognition event and on other forums designed to support accurate reporting all year long.”
“We appreciate the talent of reporters who value accuracy, craft stories that inform, make us think, and move our hearts,” Dyak concluded.
And the winners are…
Newspaper Story or Article:
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Feds investigate treatment of mental health inmates at Cresson state prison by, Karen Langley
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Wounded Heroes Hunting Camp near Altoona pairs vets, disabled children by, Chris Togneri
Newspaper Op Ed:
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, In Rebuttal/ Disserving those on disability: The mentally ill need services; they are not 'gaming the system' by, Christine Michaels
Newspaper Enterprise/Investigative:
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Mysteries of the Mind: Schizophrenia by, Mark Roth
TV Spot/Breaking News:
WPXI-TV Gateway Center Hostage by, Channel 11 News Staff, News Director: Mike Oliveira
TV Community Affairs Program:
WQED Multimedia Rose's Garden: Surviving My Mother's Mental Illness by, Beth Dolinar - Reporter/Producer/Writer, David Cohen - Editor, Walt Francis, Bob Lubomski, Frank Caloiero - Photographers
TV Enterprise/Investigative Report:
WPXI-TV, The Psyche (Aftermath) of Violent Crimes by Rick Earle - Reporter, Tim Holoman - Photographer/Editor, Mike Oliveira - News Director, Deb Gaita - Executive Producer
TV Feature Story:
KDKA-TV, New Autism Care Rules Require Some to Pay for Once Free Services by, Dr. Maria Simbra
Internet Video Story:
Human Services Center, Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Human Services Center and the signing of the Community Mental Health Act by, Roger Smith - Writer, Chris DeVivo, FUEL - Director, Human Services Center - Producer, Chris DeVivo and Roger Smith - Editors , Media Post - Publisher, Robert Donaldson - Publishing Company
About Entertainment Industries Council
EIC, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1983 by leaders of the entertainment industry to bring the power of the industry to communication about health and social issues. The organization is considered to be the chief pioneer of entertainment advocacy outreach and one of the premiere success stories in the field of entertainment education and information resources for entertainment creators, through innovative and time-proven services and methods of "encouraging the art of making a difference" from within the entertainment industry. EIC also produces the simulcast national television special PRISM Awards Showcase which addresses accurate portrayals of substance abuse and mental illness: prevention treatment and recovery.
EIC’s web site is http://www.eiconline.org. The PRISM Awards web site is http://www.prismawards.com.
About the Staunton Farm Foundation
The Staunton Farm Foundation is an organization dedicated to supporting mental health treatment and service for children, teens, and adults suffering from mental disorders in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Originally founded in 1937 in accordance with the wishes expressed in Matilda Staunton Craig’s will, the foundation has expanded to include university and hospital out-patient clinics as well as the 10 counties that comprise the southwestern region of Pennsylvania. The Staunton Family Foundation remains committed to providing support for individuals suffering from mental health disorders and their families through its continuous support of systems and organizations developing enhanced behavioral health treatments.
Skylar Jackson, Entertainment Industries Council, http://www.eiconline.org, +1 (703) 481-1414, [email protected]
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