Demi Lovato to be honoured for mental health advocacy

Demi Lovato will be among the honourees at The Jane and Terry Semel Institute's biannual Open Minds Gala, which recognizes those who raise awareness and reduce the stigma of mental health issues. Lisa Kudrow will host the event, set for March 22 at the Beverly Hilton.

Lovato will be honoured with the Artistic Award of Courage. She has been open about her battle with bipolar disorder, and released the New York Times best-seller “Staying Strong: 365 Days a Year” featuring inspirational quotes and life reflections. The singer regularly speaks out on mental illness, including during the past Democratic National Convention where she proclaimed, "I stand here today as proof that you can live a normal and empowered life with mental illness."

East West Bancorp former president/COO Julia S. Gouw will receive the Humanitarian Award, and Dr. Kelsey Martin, dean of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, will accept the Visionary Award.

Glee star Chord Overstreet will also give a special performance.

The Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA has been providing care for those who suffer from chronic psychiatric and neurological diseases since 1961.

Source: Billboard