Jerry Greenspan Student Voice of Mental Health Award

Check out this opportunity from the Jed Foundation, which works nationally to reduce the rate of suicide and the prevalence of emotional distress among college and university students.

Jerry Greenspan Student Voice of Mental Health Award The Jerry Greenspan Student Voice of Mental Health Award was established to honor a student who is reducing stigma around mental illness, raising awareness of mental health problems on campus, or encouraging help-seeking among his or her peers. The student selected for this award will receive:

• $2,000 cash scholarship
• Recognition through The Jed Foundation’s website and events
• Trip to New York to attend The Jed Foundation’s annual gala in June 2009
• An opportunity to appear on MTVU**

This award is designed to encourage dialogue about mental health on campuses and reduction of stigma around emotional disorders, and to raise visibility of the amazing people who are tackling these issues at schools across the country. This year, award applicants are asked to submit a video about their work. The winning video and other notable video submissions will be shared across our social networking platforms to further encourage action and dialogue around mental health awareness. REQUIREMENTS We are accepting video submissions that highlight a student’s efforts and activities in raising awareness around mental health. The videos can focus on a range of topics including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, self-injury, eating disorders, suicide or other mental health issues. The video should demonstrate how the applicant is:

• Creating and/or leading campus programs or events that decrease stigma or encourage help-seeking,
• Sharing a personal story about dealing with a mental health issue or helping a friend with an emotional problem, or
• Working to improve campus policies, programs and services

Entries will be judged on the merits of the student’s efforts, and on the creative use of the video format. Videos can be submitted electronically or by mail in a DVD format and should be no longer than 5 minutes in length. The judging panel will include a mental health expert, a television/film professional, a campus professional and individuals with a personal connection to mental health or suicide.