Five agencies working to advance minority mental health care were honored by the American Psychiatric Foundation at its annual benefit, held in May at APA's 2010 annual meeting in New Orleans.

The Awards for Advancing Minority Mental Health honor the commitments and efforts undertaken by psychiatrists and mental health professionals who have organized programs that provide for the mental health needs of minorities.

The ceremony was held at Grand Oaks Mansion, near the Port of New Orleans. The mansion is restored inside a domed replica of 19th-century splendor: brick walkways, moss-draped oaks, and wooden bridges crossing meandering streams. The dome above simulates a starlit night.

These are the five award-winning programs:

Each organization was presented with a plaque and $5,000 for its work in and commitment to advancing minority mental health. The awards are made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc.

"We are proud to present these awards to these mental health professionals and organizations that continue their strong commitment to reducing mental health disparities for racial and ethnic minorities," said Richard Harding, M.D., American Psychiatric Foundation president and a past APA president. "I congratulate all the recipients of the Awards for Advancing Minority Mental Health and, as a psychiatrist, commend all their efforts to educate and raise awareness of the mental health needs and services available. With education, we are well on our way to a national movement to rid the stigma associated with mental illness."

The gala raised nearly $80,000, according to Lindsey McClenathan, the foundation's development officer. More than 200 people were in attendance. The funds will be used to support the foundation's work in advancing public understanding of mental illnesses and their treatment.

Information about the foundation is posted at <www.psychfoundation.org>. Donations can be made at <https://myaccount.psych.org/APACustomizations/OneClickDonation/tabid/154/Default.aspx>.