2009 Mental Health CHAMPIONS
Celebrating the Outstanding Achievements of Missourians
with Mental Health Challenges.
2009 Mental Health Champions
The Department of Mental Health provides services to about 170,000 Missourians each year, many of whom are making major progress in overcoming the challenges of mental illnesses, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities. Unfortunately, few of their personal stories are known. To address this, the department is recognizing the accomplishments of some of these individuals with the Mental Health Champions recognition.
Three persons have been selected from statewide referrals as Mental Health Champions. They are representative of individuals with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, and persons in recovery from substance or gambling addictions. They are persons who have overcome their personal challenges to make life better for others and for their communities.
About the 2009 Champions
Jamie Graham , Robert Qualls , and Regina McKinney are the Mental Health Champions for 2009.
- Jamie is a Self-Advocate for the Missouri Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities. He was inducted into the Special Olympics Hall of Fame. Jamie is also a published author and recognized artist.
- Robert has chaired the State Advisory Council for Comprehensive Psychiatric Services. He has participated in NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) and is a strong advocate for individuals with mental illness.
- Regina is a Life Skills Coordinator and Case Manager at Friendship House in Kansas City. She has overcome adversity to help over 200 women find their way through the maze of recovery.
View Video tributes to the 2009 Mental Health Champions by clicking on the links below.
Click here to view photos from the 2009 Mental Health Champions Banquet!
Lasting Legacy Awards
In addition to recognizing the Mental Health Champions, we will celebrate the accomplishments of three individuals whose life work has brought about positive change to the mental health field and its consumers. The Lasting Legacy Awards this year will be given to Governor Warren E. Hearnes, Mrs. Betty C. Hearnes, and Dr. Elmer C. Jackson.
About the 2008 Champions
Nan Chamberlain, Dan Lalone, and Theresa Taylor are the Mental Health Champions for 2008.
- Nan earned a master’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia, created a college curriculum for incoming social-work students, and today works at a Community Mental Health Center in Mexico, Mo.
- Dan, along with his family and friends, led an effort in Springfield to establish an apartment complex to provide independent living for persons with disabilities.
- Theresa founded Vision House in Cape Girardeau, a faith-based long-term transitional living center for homeless women with addictions.
View Video tributes to the 2008 Mental Health Champions by clicking on the links below.
Mental Health Champions 2010
2010 Nomination Application (pdf)
Release Form (pdf) - required for all nominees
Recognizing Mental Health Champions
The Missouri Mental Health Foundation, the Missouri Department of Mental Health, and the mental health community will recognize three exceptional individuals who have demonstrated themselves as true “Champions” to the citizens of Missouri.
The Mental Health Champions Celebration Committee is seeking nominations of individuals whose actions and accomplishments exemplify commitment and courage in an effort to make life better for themselves and others in their communities.
The deadline for submission of nomination forms is October 30, 2009.
Judging and Selection
Nominations are reviewed and finalists chosen by a panel of judges from mental health care and related fields.
The Mental Health Champions Selection Committee looks for examples of how individuals with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse problems have overcome their challenges, whose actions and activities inspire others, and who are having positive impacts on their local communities.
The decisions of the judges are final.
Award Presentation
The winners will be honored at the Mental Health Champions Banquet in April 2010, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City. The Missouri Mental Health Foundation will host each Champion and one guest at the dinner and at the hotel for a one-night stay. Winners will receive a $1,000 cash prize.
Guidelines
Categories
Persons may be nominated in one of three categories:
1. An individual with a diagnosed mental illness
2. An individual with a developmental disability
3. An individual in recovery from a substance or gambling addiction
2010 Nominations
2010 Nomination Application and Release forms (pdf)
Deadline for submissions is October 30, 2009
