Mental Health America Presents Highest Honor to Alabama Mental Health Advocate, Lucindia Claghorn

Contact:    Heather Cobb, (703) 797-2588 or hcobb@mentalhealthamerica.net
                   Jason Halal, (703) 797-1943 or jhalal@mentalhealthamerica.net

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (June 11, 2007) - Mental Health America awarded Lucindia Claghorn, of Mobile, Alabama, with its highest honor, the Clifford W. Beers Award, for her leadership and community service at the Closing Night Dinner of its Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. on June 9, 2007.  Each year, Mental Health America presents the Beers Award to a mental health consumer who best reflects the example set by Mental Health America founder, Clifford W. Beers, in his efforts to improve conditions for and attitudes toward people living with mental illnesses. 

"Lucindia Claghorn inspires countless individuals living with mental illnesses and other advocates through her tireless service to others," said David Shern, Ph.D., president and CEO, Mental Health America.  "Claghorn's remarkable life illuminates the powerful possibilities that reside in each person, regardless of disability or stigma.  Her unyielding dedication and caring nature truly emulate the extraordinary life of Clifford Beers."

Along with a close-knit, supportive network of friends and health care providers, Claghorn has worked to establish a life of advocacy, openness and empowerment for individuals with mental illnesses.  Claghorn's many accomplishments include winning the Eli Lilly Foundation's Annual Reintegration Mentoring Award for her 30 years of volunteer advocacy and work for the mental health movement.  She is the founding member and first president of the Mental Health Services Council Consumer Council, a Mental Health America of Southern Alabama spokesperson, a skilled linguist and, most recently, a published author.  Claghorn has also served for 28 years as a dedicated American Red Cross volunteer.

The Clifford W. Beers Award is named for the founder of Mental Health America and America's volunteer mental health advocacy movement.  Created in 1976, the Beers award is presented annually to a consumer of mental health or substance abuse services who best reflects the example set by Beers in his efforts to improve conditions for, and attitudes toward, people with mental illnesses.

Mental Health America is the country's leading nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives.  With 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.