Posted on: Monday, May 19, 2008
Mahalo Awards event Thursday
Advertiser Staff
Mental Health America of Hawai'i will hold its third annual Mental Health Mahalo Awards Luncheon at the Japanese Cultural Center on Thursday. The organization aims to reduce the stigma of mental illness, promote understanding and recognize those who have improved the lives of people with mental illnesses in Hawai'i.
"May is Mental Health Month, a time when we really try to raise awareness of these issues," said Marya Grambs, executive director of Mental Health American of Hawai'i.
"Too often, mental illness is portrayed in a negative light," she said. "This is an opportunity to celebrate the good things."
SOME AWARD RECIPIENTS:
Lifetime Achievement — Ivalee Sinclair, founder of the Learning Disabilities Association of Hawai'i and the Special Parent Information Network, has worked for four decades to help children with emotional and behavioral disorders.
Outstanding Executive — Linda Rich, executive director of the Salvation Army's Family Treatment Services, provides residential treatment for substance-abusing mothers and their children.
Outstanding Agency — Adult Friends for Youth has worked for more than 20 years to transform the lives of gang members.
Outstanding Government Individual — Dr. C. Kimo Alameda, of the state Mental Health Division, spreads awareness of the need to address cultural issues in the mental health field.
Outstanding Consumer Advocate — Sarah Eum, an Army veteran, was hospitalized more than 20 times for issues related to her own mental illness. Now recovered, she empowers people with mental illnesses as a certified peer specialist.
Outstanding Business: Supporting Employees' Mental Wellness — Hawai'i Prince Hotel Waikiki offers free clinical psychologist services to employees on a monthly basis.
Outstanding Business: Hiring Persons with Mental Illness — Wal-Mart (Ke'eaumoku Street store) has hired 10 individuals with severe mental illnesses who are members of the Hale O Honolulu Clubhouse, a rehabilitation program for adults with mental illness.
Outstanding Youth Advocate — Jazmin Boots, who has suffered from bipolar disorder since she was 13 years old, is a single parent and senior at the University of Hawai'i-Hilo with a 3.8 grade point average.
The luncheon is 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Japanese Cultural Center, 2454 S. Beretania St. Tickets are $50 to $100. Call 521-1846, e-mail susan@mentalhealth-hi.org, or register online at www.mentalhealth-hi.org (click "luncheon registration").
