Dr. Guislain Museum and Janssen Research & Development, LLC Launch International Call for Nominations for 2016 Dr. Guislain "Breaking the Chains of Stigma" Award

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GHENT, Belgium, Jan. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dr. Guislain Museum in Ghent, Belgium and Janssen Research & Development, LLC ("Janssen"), today announced the opening of the call for nominations period for the fifth annual Dr. Guislain "Breaking the Chains of Stigma" Award. The Award honors an individual, project or organization that has made an exceptional contribution to reduce stigma associated with mental illness. Nominations from people and organizations worldwide can be submitted at www.drguislainaward.org, and will be accepted until 31 March, 2016. A $50,000 prize will be awarded to the individual or group receiving the Award, which must be used toward further work to reduce societal stigma about mental illness.

"Given the pervasiveness of mental health stigma throughout our global society, it is vital that we pay tribute to those on the front lines fighting to eradicate negative perceptions of people with mental illness," said Brother René Stockman, general director of the Dr. Guislain Museum. "Ensuring inclusiveness and equality were basic pillars of Dr. Guislain's lifework. We are proud to continue his legacy by recognizing those who advocate for people with mental illness, a group that often can't advocate for themselves."

The winning individual, project or organization will be determined by an independent selection committee of international advocates and renowned authorities in the field of mental health, and honored at a ceremony on World Mental Health Day, 10 October, 2016, in New York City.

Last year, Janos Marton, Ph.D., director of The Living Museum in Queens, New York, won the 2015 Dr. Guislain Award for his extraordinary efforts and distinctive ability to nurture the creativity of individuals living with mental illness, and for establishing a groundbreaking and flourishing artistic community within a mental health care setting.

"We at Janssen have a long history of, and deep commitment to, helping people with mental illness and neurological diseases," said Husseini K. Manji, MD, Global Therapeutic Area Head for Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. "Our ultimate goal is to transform the lives of all patients with mental illness, and this drives our efforts to recognize people around the world who are making a difference to break down stigma."

Janssen has an ongoing commitment to advancing neuroscience research, a legacy which dates back to the work of Dr. Paul Janssen (1926-2003). "Dr. Paul" is known as one of the 20th century's most gifted and passionate physicians and pharmaceutical researchers. To honor his legacy, Janssen supports the mental health community and various advocacy organizations and projects. In 2011, the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson launched Healthy Minds, a comprehensive initiative that aims to encourage collaboration among biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and public-sector partners to accelerate the discovery of new therapeutic solutions for diseases and disorders of the brain.

About the Dr. Guislain "Breaking the Chains of Stigma" Award
Individuals, organizations or projects from around the world that have made an exceptional contribution in dealing with, or promoting the awareness of, mental health care are eligible* to receive the Dr. Guislain "Breaking the Chains of Stigma" Award. The Award is given to an individual(s), organization or project that:

• has made an exceptional contribution to mental health care in the broadest sense on a cultural and/or social level;
• has provided a genuine contribution to decreasing stigma around mental health conditions;
• has promoted attention for mental health care;
• and, has done all this with passion, creativity and innovation.

The Dr. Guislain "Breaking the Chains of Stigma" Award honors Dr. Joseph Guislain (1797-1860), a driven activist for patients with mental illness and the first Belgian psychiatrist to provide scientifically based treatment for these individuals. As a passionate advocate for those with mental illness, Dr. Guislain worked tirelessly to stand up for the rights of patients and to help improve their social position. Dr. Guislain Museum and Janssen jointly sponsor the Award, with funding provided by Janssen. Both organizations have a rich heritage and long-standing involvement in the field of mental illness research, treatment and education.

About Dr. Guislain Museum
The Dr. Guislain Museum was founded in 1986 in Ghent, Belgium, with both permanent exhibitions addressing the history of psychiatry and outsider art, and a series of changing thematic exhibitions. The Museum features an array of psychiatric photographs, two centuries of comprehensive archives and an extensive library chronicling the history of psychiatry. Comprehensively, the Museum seeks to educate the public and rectify the misunderstandings and prejudice associated with treatment for mental illness. The Dr. Guislain Museum attracts 72,000 visitors each year.

*Employees and officers of Johnson & Johnson, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, and their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, The Dr. Guislain Museum, any promotional agencies and members of the immediate family or household of each, are not eligible to participate in the Dr. Guislain Award as nominators, Award candidates or judges. Immediate family member is defined as a parent, sibling or any person residing in the same household as employee.

Contact:
Patrick Allegaert
Dr. Guislain Museum
+32 9 216 35 95
[email protected]

Yoon Hee Lamot
Dr. Guislain Museum
+32 9 216 35 36
[email protected]

SOURCE Dr. Guislain Museum

Related Links

http://www.drguislainaward.org