According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, 58 million people (one in five adults) deal with mental illness yearly. My personal journey through a mental health crisis led me to a deeper admiration for Maurice Benard, a trailblazing Latino artist, and a beacon of strength for those suffering from mental health issues. He has affectionately become my silent hero, better known for his Emmy-award winning performances the past three decades as ABC-TV's "Sonny Corinthos" on "General Hospital" and his candid discussions addressing mental health on his weekly YouTube podcast, "State of Mind" @mbstateofmind. His strength in struggling with depression and bipolar disorder mirrored my own battle.

Yet, it's baffling that despite his sterling contributions to the acting world and his unwavering advocacy for mental wellness for over 30 years, Maurice Benard's work hasn't been widely recognized by the Latino community. Maurice, born Mauricio Jose Morales, is of Nicaraguan and Salvadoran ancestry. For years, people have mistaken him for being Italian. Perhaps it's been because of some of his acting roles, but nevertheless it isn't the case.  His work notable efforts extend beyond his work as an actor; Maurice is a NY Times bestselling author, for his autobiography addressing mental health issues and helping many navigate through their personal battles.

We call on the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) to recognize this trailblazing Latino artist in their 2025 Hispanic Heritage Awards. Not only will it affirm the importance and significance of his work but also raise awareness about mental health among the Latino community and larger society. The honoring of Maurice Benard is more than an award; it's a powerful message to those battling mental health issues that they are not alone and their struggles are acknowledged.

Join us in calling for the nomination and selection of Maurice Benard for the 2025 HHF Annual Hispanic Heritage Award. Please sign this petition to bring recognition to Maurice for his incredible contributions both on and off the screen.