NAMI Outstanding Media Awards for 2001

Posted on June 20, 2001

Each year, NAMI presents awards to news reporters, editors and producers who have covered stories or issues about mental illness with exceptional accuracy, balance, insight, and sensitivity. Awards also are presented to actors, writers, directors and producers of television shows or motion pictures which portray mental illness compassionately, challenging stereotypes and stigma, and helping to build greater public awareness of the individual dignity of people who live with brain disorders. We both honor and profoundly thank this year's recipients, whose work has set new standards of professional excellence.

1. INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING-NEWSPAPER

   The New York Times

   "Inquiry Finds Mentally Ill Patients Endured Assembly Line Surgery" (March 18, 2001) and "For Mentally Ill, Chaos In An Intended Refuge" (April 18, 2001) by Clifford J. Levey and Sarah Kershaw

2. EDITORIAL WRITING-NEWSPAPER

   The Los Angeles Times and The San Francisco Chronicle

   For sustained support of statewide reform of the mental illness treatment system in California. Specific commendations are made to Editorial Page Editor Janet Clayton and writer Alex Raksin of the Los Angeles Times for several Editorials, and Editorial Page Editor John Diaz and writer Ruth Rosen of the San Francisco Chronicle for "State of Neglect: California's 30-Year Failure to Confront Mental Illness" (February 21, 2001).

3. FEATURE REPORTING-SERIES

   The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

   "Broken Promises: 25 Years After We Unlocked the Mentally Ill" (4-part series: August-September 2000)
   by Meg Kissinger and David Umhoefer

4. FEATURE REPORTING-PERSONAL PROFILE

   Tbe St. Petersburg Times

   "The Fight of Her Life-Candidate for Florida House District 51 Faced A Cruel and Pitiless Opponent: Depression" (November 12, 2000)
   by Lane DeGregory

5. FEATURE REPORTING-TELEVISION NEWS MAGAZINE

   ABC Primetime Thursday

   "Carrie's Story: Carrie Fisher Discusses Battle with Drugs & Manic Depression" (December 21, 2001)
   Diane Sawyer, Host
   David Doss, Executive Producer

6. SCIENCE & HEALTH REPORTING-NEWSPAPER

   The Boston Globe

   "The Changing Face of Mental Illness" (April 17, 2001)
   by Larry Tye

7. SCIENCE & HEALTH-TELEVISION DOCUMENTARY

   The Discovery Channel

   "Schizophrenia: Stolen Minds, Stolen Lives"
   Bill Cosmas, Executive Producer
   Leslie Weiner, Producer

8. PUBLIC EDUCATION-TELEVISION

   Idaho Department of Health & Welfare Idaho Public Television

   "Hearts & Minds: Teens & Mental Illness" and "In Our Own Voice"
   Ann Kirkwood, Project Manager
   Marcia Franklin, Producer

9. PUBLIC EDUCATION-RADIO SERIES

   The Infinite Mind

   Lichtenstein Creative Media

   Dr. Frederick Goodwin, Host
   Bill Lichtenstein, President
   June Peoples, Producer

10. DRAMA-TELEVISION SERIES

    NBC's "ER"

    Starring Sally Field as Maggie Wycenski in six special episodes depicting a long, difficult struggle with bipolar disorder.
    John Wells, Executive Producer

11. DRAMA-MOTION PICTURE

    The Caveman's Valentine
    Universal Focus

    Starring Samuel Jackson
    Directed by Kasi Lemmons
    Dr. Cheryl Lemmons, Psychiatric Consultant