Mental Health America to Honor Arizona Teen for Mental Health Work

Hayley Winterberg to Receive "mpower" Award at

Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. on June 12

Contact: Steve Vetzner, (703) 797-2588 or svetzner@mentalhealthamerica.net

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (June 10, 2010)-Mental Health America will honor Hayley Winterberg of Phoenix, Arizona, with its mpower award for her exceptional efforts to raise awareness of mental health issues among America's youth.

The award will be presented by singer Ashley Miers at the closing night Awards Banquet of Mental Health America's 2010 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., on June 12.

Hayley, who is 16, created what is now called Magellan Youth Leaders Inspiring Future Empowerment (MY LIFE). MY LIFE is made up of youth between the ages of 13 and 23 who have experience with mental health, substance use and/or foster care-related issues. Through regular meetings and local and national workshops, presentations and performances, the group focuses on important issues affecting youth.

Under Hayley's leadership, MY LIFE has been an active and vibrant voice in the planning and implementation of system transformations to improve mental health care in Arizona and across the country.

"Hayley's efforts at such a young age are an inspiration to us all," said David Shern, Ph.D., president and CEO of Mental Health America. "Her vision, energy and activism are improving the lives of her fellow youth across the nation and helping to change the world."

In addition to her role with MY LIFE, Hayley has appeared in a television public service announcement, which focuses on reducing stigma associated with mental health conditions.

She also stars in a short video documentary, This is MY LIFE, which serves to raise awareness of MY LIFE. The video has reached thousands via YouTube and other formats. Selected as one of the top 10 finalists in the National Council Conference's "Making a Difference" Video Contest, it can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMT40tB8GCs

mpower, a Mental Health America youth awareness campaign, is supported by hundreds of musicians nationwide and encourages teens and college-age adults to get help for and promote understanding of mental health conditions.

Mental Health America is the country's leading nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives.  With a century of service and our more than 320 affiliates nationwide, we represent a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation - everyday and in times of crisis.

###