National Business Group on Health to Honor Employers With Best Behavioral Health Services Programs

WASHINGTON, DC -- (MARKET WIRE) -- May 1, 2007 --The National Business Group on Health, a non-profit association of 266 large U.S. employers, this fall will honor employers that have implemented outstanding behavioral health programs to help employees and their families cope with mental health and substance abuse disorders. The deadline for submitting nominations is June 1, 2007.

"We are very excited about this inaugural awards program, which underscores the importance of employer-provided behavioral healthcare services," said Helen Darling, president of the National Business Group on Health. "We know there are many employers across the country with outstanding programs to address mental health and substance abuse disorders. This is a great way for them to submit their solutions and be recognized as leaders among their peers."

The awards program is sponsored by the Center for Mental Health Services, a division of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and was created to recognize employer solutions in conjunction with the Business Group's Employer Guide to Behavioral Health Services, published in 2005. Eight awards will be presented to employers, including an overall "best in class" award for the employer that has implemented the most comprehensive solutions. Additionally, employers who are nominated for their behavioral health best-practices will be honored.

The deadline for submitting applications for the 2007 Behavioral Health Implement Awards and nominations for Behavioral Health Best-Practices is June 1, 2007. The awards will be presented at the Business Group's Joint Forum on Employee Health and Productivity in October. The best-practice nominations will be featured in a special publication on employer innovation in behavioral health services. Applications and more information about the awards can be found on the Business Group's website, www.businessgrouphealth.org, or by contacting Kathryn Phillips Campbell at 202-585-1800 or phillipscampbell@businessgrouphealth.org.

About the National Business Group on Health

The National Business Group on Health is the nation's only non-profit, membership organization of large employers devoted exclusively to finding innovative and forward-thinking solutions to their most important health care and related benefits issues. The Business Group identifies and shares best practices in health benefits, disability, health and productivity, related paid time off and work/life balance issues. Business Group members provide health coverage for more than 50 million U.S. workers, retirees and their families. For more information about the Business Group, visit www.businessgrouphealth.org

Contact Information: Contact: Ed Emerman 609-452-5967 Email Contact