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Erasing The Stigma Leadership Awards -Event
Rych McCain International/Nationally Syndicated Entertainment Columnist
Didi
Hirsch Mental Health Services
22nd
Annual Erasing the Sigma Leadership Awards
As
sure as it turns spring again, you can count on the one event that celebrates
the field of mental health where professionals and volunteers alike work
tirelessly to research, find cures, solutions and ways to help and comfort
those afflicted with various forms of mental illness and the loved ones who
care for them. The Didi Hirsch Mental
Health Services recently held their
22nd Annual Erasing The Stigma Leadership Awards Dinner at the
beautiful Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel main events ballroom.
 |
| Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel Ballroom |
Like all
such glamorous occasions, the festivities began with a red carpet entry
adorned with interviewing press and photographers. Then guests flowed into a
pre-dinner VIP cocktail reception area to meet and great before the bell master
begins strolling through the crowd playing the chimes to alert everyone that it
is time to adjourn to the ballroom where the ceremonies are about to commence.
Upon entry, guest find salad, rolls and wine awaiting them when sitting at
their tables to be followed by a lavish, delicious gourmet dinner served by the
gracious, courteous and always highly professional Hilton kitchen, dining room
staff and waiters.
 |
| Actor/Honoree Oliver Platt |
This
year’s honorees included actor Oliver
Platt (starring as Dr. Daniel Charles, Chief of Psychiatry in NBC-TV’s
drama “Chicago Med”). Platt was presented with the Leadership Award. His presenter was fellow "Chicago Med" cast member, actor Nick Gehlfuss.
 |
| Actor/Presenter Nick Gehlfuss |
 |
| Singer/Actor/Honoree Rick Springfield |
|
|
Actor,
writer and multi-platinum, Grammy winning, singer/musician Rick Springfield was presented with the Beatrice Stern Media Award. Doug
Davidson served as his presenter.
 |
| LA Charger/Honoree Joe Barksdale |
LA
Chargers starting tackle and musician Joe
Barksdale was presented with the Mental
Health Ambassador Award. His presenter was Jeff Fisher.
 |
| Honoree Cynthia Germanotta |
And last
but certainly not least, “The Born This
Way Foundation” was awarded the Leadership
Award. It was accepted by Cynthia
Germanotta who co-founded the organization in 2012 with her daughter
multi-platinum entertainer Lady Gaga.
The presenter was Taryn Bird.
 |
| Presenter Taryn Bird |
 |
| Emcee/Comedia Wendy Liebman |
The
Emcee for the evening was comedian Wendy
Liebman. Event Chair was Laura
Ornest. Martin J. Frank is the capital Campaign Cabinet Chair and Kita S. Curry, PhD is the Didi Hirsch
President/CEO.
 |
| L-R Christopher J. Harrer, Dr. Kita S.Curry and Laura Ornest |
The Didi
Hirsch Organization has recently open a beautiful, newly built Suicide
Prevention Center in Los Angeles. It has the expertise, breadth, volume and
reach that no other suicide prevention center can touch. It is clearly the
model for suicide prevention programs worldwide providing crisis services,
therapy and support, training and education with research and innovation. There
Suicide Prevention Crisis Line has more than tripled since 2008 exceeding
100,00 in 2017. With the stigma of suicide going down, awareness is growing,
and more people are reaching out for help.
The 24/7 Crisis Line for English and
Spanish is 800-273-8255
Services
offered include:
·
24/7 Crisis Line
·
Crisis Chat & Test
·
Bereavement Support
·
Suicide Response Team
·
Suicide attempt survivors support
·
Disaster Distress Helpline
·
Research & Innovation
·
Training & Education
You can call from anywhere in the USA.
They have various branch location throughout the
metro Los Angeles area, but the headquarters is located at 4760 s. Sepulveda
Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230.
Didi Hirsch
also accepts donations. In speaking with Didi Hirsch Board of Director’s Chair Christopher J. Harrer, he explained how
the fund raising works saying, “Some of the funds tonight will go towards our
new Suicide Prevention Center but we are also in a capital campaign to raise
money specifically for that facility. But tonight’s event is one of our three
main fund raising events that we have every year. But tonight’s event goes to a
number of programs that we have at Didi Hirsch.”
 |
| L-R Martin J. Frank, Fr. Kita S. Curry, Rick Springfied and Cynthia Germanotta |
What
advice does Harrer have for anyone who has depressive thoughts or has a family
member or friend with them? Harrer expounds, “Just reach out and ask for help.
That’s step number one. Don’t be embarrassed, don’t be ashamed, It’s OK to ask
to say I need a little help, I’m having some troubles, I’m having some thoughts
that might not be good, can you please talk with me and help me and let me
understand what my options are. There are so many people affected by mental
health. A lot of them just don’t speak up or they speak up when it’s too late
or they do something that they can’t take back. And so I encourage anybody who
has any, any, thoughts about hurting themselves or maybe just being confused
about what they are feeling to just ask for help. That’s what we are here for.”
He adds,
“We have a 24hr hotline to call and talk to some very trained staff and
volunteers to help them through whatever it is that they are going through. It
cost you nothing. And if you have someone in your family or a friend with
problems just ask them what they are feeling. They may not say anything until
they are asked.”
 |
| Gorgeous and scrumptious table spread |
©
2018 Rych McCain Media/Syndication TM
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