Organ Donation, Childhood Obesity, Post-Combat Injury Storylines Recognized

The NBC drama ER received first place in the primetime drama category at Hollywood, Health & Society's tenth annual Sentinel for Health Awards on September 23 at the Writers Guild of America, West, for a storyline involving a grandmother’s anguish as she makes the difficult decision to allow her grandson’s organs to be donated, giving meaning to his tragic death and a second chance at life to others. ABC’s Desperate Housewives took first place in primetime comedy for a storyline about childhood obesity, while NBC’s Law and Order: SVU took home an award in the new global health storyline category for a show about HIV/AIDS deniers, whose disbelief in the existence of the HIV virus results in tragedy. Autism, measles vaccinations, diabetes and domestic violence were some of the topics tackled in other recognized storylines.

“Television writers and producers are in a unique position both to entertain and to inform viewers,” said Martin Kaplan, the Norman Lear Chair at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and director of the Lear Center. “The Sentinel for Health Awards are a chance to shine a spotlight on master storytellers who use their power not only to make hits, but also to educate audiences about crucial issues.”

The Sentinel for Health Awards recognize exemplary achievements of television storylines that inform, educate and motivate viewers to make choices for healthier and safer lives. "Every day millions of viewers worldwide learn something new about health from TV storylines and take action on what they've learned," says Sandra de Castro Buffington, director of the Hollywood, Health & Society program. Read the press release.