Mental Health Association presents awards
By Matt Shaw
Published in News on September 28, 2004 2:00 PM
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH -- The Mental Health Association in North Carolina honored the Goldsboro News-Argus, radio station WGBR and others from Wayne County during its annual meeting held Thursday and Friday in Wrightsville Beach.
The News-Argus was given the media award for newspapers for its coverage of mental health issues.
"This newspaper stands as a symbol of what a positive impact the media in general and newspapers specifically can provide in the area of mental health," said John Tote, the association's executive director.
The newspaper has regularly covered activities at Cherry Hospital, O'Berry Center, Eastpointe mental health agency and the Mental Health Association in Wayne County. It also includes a weekly newspaper column by Dr. Jonathan Barnes, Eastpointe's clinical director.
WGBR was given the media award for radio stations. Morning emcee Wayne Alley was singled out for his regular coverage of mental health issues.
The radio station has "sought out issues of interest within the mental health field, doing so with a positive focus and a willingness to help the community learn the truth about mental health and mental wellness," Tote said.
Both the media awards were statewide awards. WRAL-TV was chosen the recipient of the media award for television.
Libby Dukay of Eastpointe was chosen the 2004 Mental Health Center Worker of the Year. Tote called her "a caring professional and a person who regularly goes the extra mile to see that the well-being and quality of life for those that she serves is always enhanced."
Also, the Mental Health Association in Wayne County was among nine local affiliates to receive the Silver Bell Award. The honored programs had to meet several standards, including holding public programs on mental health or the prevention of mental illness.
The Mental Health Association in North Carolina was first organized in 1914 and chartered in 1939. It is the state's largest private, non-profit mental health organization addressing advocacy, education and service. Its mission is to promote mental health, prevent mental disorders and eliminate discrimination against people with mental disorders.