MHA’s February 2020 MHA Voice & Website * www.mhacentralcarolinas.org * 704-365-3454

MHA of Central Carolinas recognized those who have gone above and beyond in the area of mental health at its annual Chocolate Therapy Volunteer & Top Donor Appreciation Event held on February 13, 2020 at The Morehead Inn. In addition to volunteer awards, MHA honored WSOC-TV with its top award, the 2019 H. Keith Brunnemer, Jr. Award for outstanding contributions to mental health. WSOC-TV was recognized for outstanding journalism around mental health with messaging that specifically offered help and hope. After WSOC attended MHA’s media training in Nov. 2018, which focused on the importance of non-stigmatizing language when reporting on mental health and suicide, WSOC General Manager Cedric Thomas invited MHA to train all reporters and staff at their station in early 2019. Together, Erica Bryant (pictured) and Kim Holt led the station in developing an hour-long primetime broadcast on mental health titled, “Charlotte’s Hidden Crisis,” which aired May 29, 2019, while also offering a daylong live phone back with clinicians and mental health advocates, including MHA staff and volunteers. More than 700 callers were supported and connected with resources, including an on-line guide which WSOC created for communities within their 22-county viewing area. Due to the success of the Emmy-nominated “Charlotte’s Hidden Crisis,” WSOC hosted a second mental health special in Dec. 2019, with another live call-in opportunity. MHA’s four annual volunteer awards were also presented at the event. Danielle Rogers was recognized for the 2019 Belle Dusseault Hambacher Young Volunteer of the Year Award, for her dedication and generosity as a 1933 Society and Circle of Hope Member, her authenticity and inspiration as an MHA Storyteller, and her commitment to helping others and helping MHA be successful as a Sustainable Funding Committee member. Fonda Bryant was awarded the 2019 Advocacy Volun-teer Award for her tenacious advocacy efforts over the past few years. Fonda—who credits her Aunt Kellie with saving her from a suicide attempt 25 years ago on Valentine’s Day—works tirelessly to promote positive

MHA’s Annual Awards Recognition

Front Row (L to R): Erica Bryant representing WSOC-TV, Kelly Busher and Jenna Taylor. Back Row: (L to R): MHA Executive Director Kathy Rogers, Danielle Rogers and Fonda Bryant.

mental health and suicide prevention. She’s a member of NAMI NC’s board and a certified QPR Suicide Prevention instructor through MHA. In addition to planning mental health fundraising and awareness raising events, Fonda has been on a mission to get signs with a suicide prevention message posted in parking decks across the country. Kelly Busher was named the 2019 Compeer Volunteer of the Year for his compassion in a friendship match with Reggie. Kelly and Reggie have an easy rapport with Kelly’s “never met a stranger, just a friend I haven’t met yet” attitude. He’s an excellent motivator, bringing out the best in Reggie, as well as others he meets at Compeer social events. Kelly also works in the mental health field while working on his MSW at UNC-Charlotte. Jenna Clark was recognized as the 2019 ParentVOICE Volunteer Award for being a dependable, enthusiastic volunteer who immediately brightens up the room with her smile at monthly support group meetings. Pursuing her Masters in Clinical Mental Health and Play Therapy at UNC-Charlotte, Jenna is a positive addition to the ACTIVE Youth support group leadership.