FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA
CHOSEN CHARITY FOR NAIC MEETING

GRAPEVINE, Texas (Dec. 5, 2008) - The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has selected Mental Health America of Greater Dallas (MHA) as the official charity for its 2008 Winter National Meeting.

This selection is part of the NAIC's year-long charitable initiative to support organizations that focus on mental health issues.

"One out of every five Americans experiences a mental disorder every year - and many of them don't receive appropriate care," said NAIC President and Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger. "Mental Health America works to send a powerful message about the importance of mental health."

Founded in 1947, MHA advocates for improved treatment, raises public awareness about the importance of good mental health, and challenges the stigma associated with mental illness and treatment. The organization hosts an annual training event, Adolescent Symposium, and conducts several education programs, including We Help Ourselves (WHO), which helps children and teenagers learn how to protect themselves.

MHA also provides preventive programs that are designed to supply high-risk populations - such as children, the homeless and the indigent - with information and skills to deal with dysfunction, distress and adverse situations. For more information, visit www.mhadallas.org.

The NAIC's charitable program began in 2003. It benefits local, non-profit charitable organizations in the cities where the NAIC's quarterly national meetings are held.

About the NAIC

Formed in 1871, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is a voluntary organization of the chief insurance regulatory officials of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. The NAIC has three offices: Executive Office, Washington, D.C.; Central Office, Kansas City, Mo.; and Securities Valuation Office, New York City.

The NAIC serves the needs of consumers and the industry, with an overriding objective of supporting state insurance regulators as they protect consumers and maintain the financial stability of the insurance marketplace. For more information, visit www.naic.org.

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