Any prevention program, to be successful, must be credible and well-communicated; must have realistic, achievable goals; and must be reinforced over time.
VISION:
Connecting communities, governments, the private sector, and research centres of excellence in a unified effort to make a difference
National Awards for Excellence Program
The Kaiser Foundation’s National Awards for Excellence Program is a national program which honours the outstanding work being done by the thousands of Canadian organizations, communities and individuals who are engaged in the fields of mental health and addictions. Celebrating its fifth year, the Awards program is dedicated to recognizing the people who spend their lives helping others get well, often with little or no public acknowledgment or compensation.
2011 Call for Nominations is Open
To nominate someone or to apply for an award yourself is easy. Visit the Nominations section for information on our Awards criteria, Awards categories and to download the nomination forms. Deadline for 2011 Award submissions is November 30, 2010.
There are seven award categories:
- Excellence in Public Policy
- Excellence in Community Programming
- Excellence in Indigenous Programming
- Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use Programming
- Excellence in Leadership
- Excellence in Youth Leadership
- Excellence in Media Reporting
Each Award recipient receives a $10,000 grant to be given to a recognized Canadian charity of their choice. A presentation will be organized to honour each recipient and each winner will receive a DVD with highlights from their presentation and any media coverage. In addition, each recipient will have their story featured on our website.
Nominations are solicited widely from across Canada. Submissions are reviewed by the National Awards for Excellence Program Secretariat comprised of individuals working in the addictions and mental health field. The work of the Secretariat is coordinated by the Centre for Addictions Research of BC (CAR-BC). Recommendations are forwarded to the Kaiser Foundation's National Awards Program Advisory Board for review and final selection of the Award recipients.
This commitment to recognizing outstanding achievements in dealing with mental health, addictions and related issues is advanced by the support of the Kaiser Foundation’s National Partners, Directors and Advisory Boards. The stature of its National Advisory Board members, Directors and National Partners shows that national leadership recognizes the importance of dealing openly with mental health and addiction issues.
The National Awards for Excellence Program has achieved benefits far beyond the recognition received by the annual winners. In a field filled with varied and emotional views, the Awards have served to personally connect workers in the field with governments, community and corporate partners. This increases understanding and good will while creating relationships that have led to direct monetary support for the groups involved.
It is because of the generous support and involvement of our Provincial and National Partners that this program has become a reality.