Charlotte, NC –“Through My Eyes” received a national community outreach award and continues to break ground in educating youth and families about mental illness. 

Mecklenburg County's System of Care, MeckCARES, was nationally recognized for achievement in communications at the 2008 Excellence in Community Communications and Outreach (ECCO) Recognition Awards Program on July 18 in Nashville, TN. The twice Emmy-nominated and SAMHSA Voice Award-winning film, “Through My Eyes” took home the Silver award in the category of Community Outreach: Children & Youth. The ECCO Recognition Program highlights communications achievements that promote children’s mental health.

“Through My Eyes” is a documentary film produced in a community partnership among the Mecklenburg County Area Mental Health Authority, the Health Department, MeckCARES, the Junior League of Charlotte and WTVI. It is intended to educate teens and families about mental health issues. “Through My Eyes” aired on WTVI, was screened during various community panel discussions and continues to be used as an educational tool in training youth and adults about the signs, symptoms and resources related to mental illness. In fall 2008, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will introduce a mental health curriculum to be presented with the film to ninth-grade health classes.

"Through My Eyes" features Mecklenburg County teens and their families sharing their own emotional and mental health challenges, and how they are able to draw on their successes to overcome these challenges. The film also aims to stamp out stigma, raise awareness and improve community-wide support for youth who struggle with various challenges. Those challenges could range from anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, ADD, ADHD and others.