The Carson J Spencer Foundation, established in 2005, is dedicated to preserving the memory of Carson J. Spencer, who took his own life after an acute cycle of bipolar disorder on December 7, 2004. The Carson J Spencer Foundation envisions a world where leaders and communities are committed to sustaining a passion for life.
To this end the foundation awards people who have done outstanding work in the field of mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
2007 Shining Lights of Hope Award
In 2007 the award went to a team from the Colorado legislature, Deb Stafford and Moe Keller who pushed forward the the recent Senate Bill 36 signed by Governor Ritter to make coverage of mental disorders mandatory.
The law expands the number of mental health disorders covered to additional diagnoses including: eating disorders, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorders and more. Senate Bill 36’s sponsors Senator Moe Keller and Representative Debbie Stafford will be honored during the evening for their efforts to shine a light on mental health advocacy.
Senator Moe Keller and Representative Deb Stafford |