Erasing the Stigma Leadership Awards Luncheon April 30, 2010

Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services will honor advocates who have helped to dispel myths and prejudices and advance the public’s understanding of mental illness at the 14th annual Erasing the Stigma Leadership Awards luncheon.

The theme of this year’s event is youth. Fifty percent of all mental disorders emerge by the age of 14, seventy five percent by 25. But, most suffer for ten or more years before they get help. Ten years of unnecessary heartache, confusion and shame. Youth advocates Alison Malmon and Ross Szabo, our Leadership Awards honorees, and Gary E. Knell of Sesame Workshop, our Beatrice Stern Media Award honoree, have helped change that.

The annual event raises funds for Didi Hirsch Mental Health Service's mental health and substance abuse services, including the ongoing operation of the agency's toll-free 24-hour Suicide Prevention Crisis Line (877- 7CRISIS) that serves Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

Official Website: http://www.erasingthestigma.org