Mental Health Advocacy Services (MHAS) presented the 2008 Advocates Awards to Steve Lopez of the L.A. Times and Richard Van Horn of Mental Health America of Los Angeles on Thursday, September 25, at  MHAS’ Annual Celebration. More than 150 people attended the event which was hosted at the offices of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP.

“We were delighted to honor two champions for the rights of people with mental disabilities, and the event was a great success. The support of our sponsors and attendees will help us continue to provide free legal services to some of the most vulnerable members of our community," says James Preis, Executive Director of Mental Health Advocacy Services.

Steve Lopez is an acclaimed journalist and the bestselling author of The Soloist, a memoir of his friendship with a homeless musical prodigy suffering from schizophrenia, which is soon to be released as a major motion picture starring Robert Downey, Jr., and Jamie Foxx.

Richard Van Horn has worked for Mental Health America for more than 28 years, helping people with mental illness in Los Angeles and throughout California. As President of MHA, he has shown visionary leadership in service innovation, systems design and public policy work.

Click here to see photos from the event.