Source: Annenberg News (annenberg.usc.edu) Author: staff Hollywood, Health & Society, a joint project of the Norman Lear Center at USC Annenberg and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), announced 13 finalists for the Sentinel for Health Awards on Sept. 15. In its ninth year, the Sentinel for Health Awards recognizes exemplary achievements of television storylines that inform, educate and motivate viewers to make choices for healthier and safer lives. Six categories of storylines will be recognized – daytime drama, primetime drama, primetime comedy, primetime drama minor storyline, Spanish-language telenovela and children’s programming. The 13 finalists received the highest scores in a field of 31 eligible entries that were reviewed by topic experts at the CDC and partner organizations. Health topics addressed in the storylines include lung cancer, teen sexual health, HIV and pregnancy, drug addiction, gang violence, oral cancer, sexual abuse, and alcoholism. All finalists will be recognized in an awards ceremony followed by a panel discussion with the writers on Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Writers Guild of America, West, in Los Angeles. "We're delighted to shine a spotlight on television writers and producers who both entertain viewers and at the same time provide them with accurate information," says Martin Kaplan , holder of the Norman Lear Chair in Entertainment and director of the Lear Center. "Our hope is that the storylines we honor with this award will spur other TV writers to recognize and use responsibly the awesome power they wield." Hollywood, Health & Society works [...]