Foundation Inspired by Subject of Upcoming Film “The Soloist” Launches January 28th at The California Endowment’s Center for Healthy Communities

-(Business Wire)-January 26, 2009 - The California Endowment:

WHAT:		The official launch of the Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation. Los Angeles Times Columnist Steve Lopez will discuss his initial meeting with Nathaniel Anthony Ayers and the friendship they developed over time which led to a number of columns about Nathaniel, the recently released book “The Soloist,” and the highly anticipated film starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx. Jennifer Ayers-Moore, Nathaniel’s sister, will discuss growing up with Nathaniel and his transition from a highly accomplished musician to a homeless man with severe mental illness. In addition, the foundation’s leadership will brief media about the programs of the foundation. The mission of the Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation is to fund the arts at mental health agencies and arts organizations that serve the mentally ill, and places a special emphasis on programs that serve the artistically gifted, public education and advocacy.

WHO:		Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times columnist and author of “The Soloist”
		Jennifer Ayers-Moore, Nathaniel Anthony Ayers’ sister and catalyst for the foundation
		Anthony Moore, President & CEO, Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation
		Ted Sapp, Executive Director, Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation
		Robert K. Ross, M.D., president & CEO, The California Endowment

WHY:		According to the World Health Organization, four of the 10 leading causes of disability in the U.S. and other developed countries are mental disorders. By 2020, Major Depressive illness will be the leading cause of disability in the world for women and children. Without treatment, the consequences of mental illness for the individual and society are staggering: unnecessary disability, unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, incarceration, suicide and wasted lives. The economic cost of untreated mental illness is more than 100 billion dollars each year in the U.S. Mental illnesses are biologically based brain disorders. They cannot be overcome through “will power” and are not related to a person’s character or intelligence. Access to art programs affords people with mental health challenges an avenue for self-expression. Arts can be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of people with mental health challenges. In addition to programs that support people with mental illness, there is benefit to amplifying the public discourse in support of erasing stigma associated with mental illness and collectively caring for the mentally ill.

WHEN:		10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009

WHERE:		The California Endowment, Room 406
		1000 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
		Parking available on site

MEDIA INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

All speakers will be available for interviews following the press conference. In addition, there will be a 4 p.m. event at The California Endowment at which all the speakers will participate; a clip of the film will be shown; and music from the film will be presented by Robert Vijay Gupta of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Media is also invited to attend this event and we will accommodate cameras for live remotes.

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