NMHA Launches "mpower: musicians for mental health"
Michelle Branch, Vanessa Carlton, Third Eye Blind and Others Sign On to Support National Youth Awareness Campaign

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (October 14, 2003) - Today, the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) launches "mpower: musicians for mental health," a national youth awareness campaign that harnesses the power of music to raise awareness about mental health and substance abuse issues and encourages teens to seek help when they need it.

"Music inspires, motivates and often serves as a catalyst for social change, "said Michael Faenza, president and CEO of the National Mental Health Association. "One in 5 young people have a diagnosable mental health problem, but more than two-thirds do not get the help they need. By working with musicians on mpower, we can really get the word out to America's youth that mental health matters."

To kick off the campaign, NMHA is unveiling mpoweryouth.org, a Web site that allows teens to share their real life stories and features messages on the importance of mental health from top musicians.  Through concerts, special events, media outreach, PSAs and educational forums, mpower's supporting artists and youth leaders will raise awareness about mental health and substance abuse.  

Michelle Branch, Jackson Browne, Vanessa Carlton, Dakona, Fat Joe, Jennifer Holliday, The Neptunes, The Pietasters, James Taylor, Third Eye Blind and Dar Williams are some of the many artists who have signed on in support of mpower.

"When I found out that the suicide rate for people around my age is more than AIDS, cancer, heart disease, and lung disease combined, I was shocked," said Vanessa Carlton. "Having dealt with depression on a personal level, I know how alone and alienated one can feel. Fortunately, you are not alone. Life can get better. mpower can help."

"It ain't easy being a teenager these days," said Michelle Branch. "It's nice to know that a campaign like mpower understands and is there to help people who don't know where else to turn."

Leading entertainment industry executives from companies such as Borman Entertainment; Capitol Records; Clear Channel Entertainment; The Firm; Haworth Marketing & Media; MTV Networks; National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences; Razor & Tie Records; the Recording Industry Association of America; Rock River Communications; Selverne, Mandelbaum & Mintz, LLP; Time Warner Cable and Whiskey Tango Management serve on mpower's advisory council, providing leadership and strategic direction.

"The music world has had its share of suffering and losses from untreated mental illness and substance abuse. Many young people are struggling with similar problems," said Chuck Morris, vice president of Clear Channel, Rocky Mountain Region. "As an industry, we can and should be doing something about this important health issue."

mpower is made possible through the generous support of MTV Networks, Philosophy, the Recording Industry Association of America and Target Stores.

The National Mental Health Association is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness.  With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans through advocacy, education, research and service.

Contact:   Chris Condayan, (703) 838-7551       
                 ccondayan@nmha.org
               2001 N. Beauregard St., 12th Floor             
                 Alexandria, Va. 22311        
                 www.nmha.org  

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