Nominees must reside or work in Spartanburg County. Once all nominations are submitted, a panel will review each COMPLETE nomination packet and make selections on the following two criteria:

1. Efforts to share their mental health issues publicly and thereby reduce the stigma, and
2. Flourishing in their career or work in the community that provides hope and mentoring to those who feel like they cannot succeed because of their mental health struggles.

Bailie, for whom the award is named, is a professional artist and educator in the Spartanburg community. Bailie has spent his life teaching and creating art in all media while struggling with mental health issues. Bailie realized that his struggles could help others recognize their own and has made it his mission to use personal experience and storytelling to reduce stigma. Bailie interviewed others with mental health issues and created an art exhibit celebrating their challenges. This art exhibit or parts thereof have been on display in various locations including the Chapman Museum of Art. All of Bailie’s advocacy and efforts has furthered the effectiveness of MHA-Spartanburg to reduce the stigma associated with mental health. Bailie is currently serving as a board member of MHA-Spartanburg and is busy teaching and painting murals all across our county.

Nominees must reside in Spartanburg County. Once all nominations are submitted, a panel will review each COMPLETE nomination packet and make selections based on the following two criteria:

1. Efforts to share their mental health issues publicly and thereby reduce the stigma, and
2. Flourish in their community/school/church/etc. which provides hope and mentoring to those who feel that they cannot succeed because of their mental health struggles.