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MHA/NC 2008 Annual Conference |
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The 2008 MHA/NC Annual Conference, It’s Your Voice: Let It Be Heard, was held September 17-18 at Wrightsville Beach and was the largest in our organization’s history. The event was kicked off with the inspiring true story by local NC Artist William “Bill” Mangum of how a homeless man with mental illness inspired him both personally and professionally. The kickoff event went on to feature Dennis Breeden, who shared his personal experience of hope and triumph over
mental illness.
Other break-out sessions over the course of the next two days included topics such as Dual Diagnosis, Youth Suicide Prevention, Psychopharm for Non-Physicians, Jail Diversion, Veterans & Mental Health, and Medicare. These presentations are available upon request by contacting our Information & Referral Line at 1-800-897-7494 or
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. In addition to educational opportunities, the conference also included a reception, awards luncheon, and numerous exhibit booths.
Probably the most exciting moment of the 2008 MHA/NC Annual Conference was the feature presentation by Gold Medal Figure Skating Champion Dorothy Hamill. Dorothy swept her audience away as she told the story she also tells in her book, A Skating Life: My Story. Despite her huge successes, Dorothy faced a painful inner struggle with depression and other battles since she was a young girl. Her keynote points centered around the two major health crises that she has faced in her life: mental illness and cancer. She boldly stated that when she was coping with cancer, she received cards, letters, phone calls, visits, meals, and fuzzy slippers. When she battled depression, however, she received nothing. Her question was loud and clear: Why? She inspired and motivated our efforts to continue working toward our mission of eliminating the stigma associated with mental illness. Dorothy works toward this result each time she reaches an audience in this captivating way. Following her presentation, Dorothy graciously spent time with conference attendees, talking with them and signing autographs.
A DVD of Dorothy Hamill’s presentation is available from MHA/NC for $5 by contacting our Information & Referral Line at 1-800-897-7494 or
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2008 AWARD WINNERS:
David W. Hardee Award:
MHA of Central Carolinas
MHA in Stokes County
President’s Award:
Gary Pierce
Media Awards:
WGSP 1030 La Tremenda
WTVI Public Television
Operation Santa Claus Award:
MHA in Forsyth County
J.B. Spillman Award:
Mark Sullivan
Mental Health Month Award:
MHA in Wayne County
Clara Simon Award:
Ida Fryar
McFarland Edgarton Award:
Emily Moore
Silver Bell Awards:
MHA Greensboro
MHA Central Carolinas
MHA Wayne County
MHA Forsyth County
MHA Johnson County
MHA Wilson County
Healthcare Technicians:
Reggie McDowell, Longleaf Neuro-Medical Treatment Center
Natitia Hughes-White, Central Regional Hospital
Andy Fite, Broughton Hospital
Rhonda Skipper, Dorothea Dix;
Levernal Simmons, Cherry Hospital
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS & EXHIBITORS:
Eli Lilly
NC Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Holly Hill Hospital
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Strategic Behavioral Health
Easter Seals UCP NC
Clear Message Interpreting Service
SHIIP - Seniors Health Insurance Information Program
SEAHEC
UNC School of Medicine
Disability Rights NC
Southern Regional AHEC
Ortho-McNeil-Janssen
William Mangum, NC Artist
Pfizer
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