Shedding Light on the Risks
& Benefits of Medications 
MedShadow’s SSRIs Article, “Blunted Before They Can Bloom,” Wins Folio Award at Fair Media Council’s 45th Annual Folio Awards
on this page:
New York, NY – June 11, 2026 – MedShadow Foundation was recognized today at the Fair Media Council‘s 45th Annual Folio Awards Luncheon, held at the historic Garden City Hotel in New York. The award in the News Division – Mental Health Coverage category honored MedShadow’s Contributing Writer Peg Rosen, Head of Content Jessica DiGiacinto, Executive Director Diane Salvatore, and Founder Suzanne Robotti for the article, “Blunted Before They Can Bloom: SSRIs and Sexual Side Effects in Adolescents.”
“MedShadow is committed to publishing rigorous, evidence-based reporting about the risks and benefits of medications and bringing these insights to the public’s attention,” said Diane Salvatore, Executive Director of MedShadow. “We are gratified to see this work recognized by the Fair Media Council. Through probing investigative reporting by writer Peg Rosen, and the work of her editor Jessica DiGiacinto and the whole MedShadow editorial team, we shed light on a critical issue affecting adolescents and their families, arming readers with information they need to make care decisions.”
The article, “Blunted Before They Can Bloom,” examines the effects of antidepressants on young people’s sexual development and long-term sexual health. Through extensive reporting, expert interviews, scientific research, and patient stories, the article explores how commonly prescribed SSRIs may affect libido and intimacy during critical developmental years. It also highlights the need for more transparent discussions between clinicians, patients, and families.
“The Folio Awards were created in 1981 to ensure the public had a high-profile voice over the news,” said Jaci Clement, CEO and Executive Director of the Fair Media Council. “Forty-five years later, it matters more than ever. As news and media continue to evolve, so do the Folio Awards, recognizing the work shaping how the public is informed, influenced, and connected. The work recognized here doesn’t just reflect the media landscape. It influences where it goes next.”
At the event, in addition to the Folio Awards presented to the best in media, three outstanding journalists were recognized with Lifetime Achievement Awards: America’s Weather Anchor Sam Champion, CBS Reporter Jennifer McLogan, and Long Island Business News Reporter David Winzelberg.
###
About MedShadow Foundation
MedShadow Foundation, founded in 2013, is a nonprofit that focuses on the safest ways to take over-the-counter and prescription medications, as well as lifestyle and nutrition options. Medications have many benefits, but knowing how to balance these against their potential side effects is essential. Side effects can sometimes be difficult to recognize, so MedShadow works to illuminate and explain medication reactions that may be otherwise minimized or obscured. MedShadow does not accept or receive any financial support or funding from the pharmaceutical or supplement industries, and requires that all staff, writers, advisors and other partners be free from any financial relationships with these companies. medshadow.org
About the Fair Media Council Folio Awards
The gold standard for the modern media landscape, the Fair Media Council’s Folio Awards honor the best in news and media. More than an event, the Folio Awards influence what gets covered, how stories are told, and the standards that define credibility, recognizing outstanding work in truth, storytelling, accountability, and innovation. The Folio Awards bring together journalists, business leaders, media innovators, and community changemakers each year. Begun in 1981 to give the public a high-profile voice on the state of local Long Island news, the awards have grown to include regional and national news, as well as digital communications.
About the Fair Media Council
The Fair Media Council operates at the intersection of media accountability and applied media literacy. Based on Long Island and with a national reach, FMC’s mission is to strengthen the quality of news, keep local news local, protect the public interest, and help organizations and communities navigate the modern media landscape. FMC, founded in 1979, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. fairmediacouncil.org
DISCLAIMER: MedShadow provides information and resources related to medications, their effects, and potential side effects. However, it is important to note that we are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content on our site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Individuals dealing with medical conditions or symptoms should seek guidance from a licensed healthcare professional, such as a physician or pharmacist, who can provide personalized medical advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented on MedShadow, we cannot guarantee its completeness or suitability for any particular individual’s medical needs. Therefore, we strongly encourage users to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any health-related concerns or decisions. By accessing and using MedShadow, you acknowledge and agree that the information provided on the site is not a substitute for professional medical advice and that you should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
on this page:
We seek to create a world where there are safer medications for all and where all people are fully informed about their medication benefits and side effects, using our explanatory and investigative journalism to both inform and stimulate public discussion to drive toward solutions.
WEBINARS
Stream our library on demand, including insights on generic drugs and pain management, straight from experts.
WATCH NOW