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Association NewsFull Access

Program to Recognize Excellence In MH Services For Minorities

Published Online:20 Jun 2003https://doi.org/10.1176/pn.38.12.0009

The American Psychiatric Foundation announces the establishment of the Minority Mental Health Awards program.

The program, which is designed to reduce disparities in quality mental health care for minorities, is being supported by a grant from Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc.

The American Psychiatric Foundation is a charitable and educational subsidiary of APA. The foundation provides grant support for programs in public education that increase awareness and understanding of mental disorders, advocacy initiatives, and research focused on the treatment and prevention of mental illness.

The Minority Mental Health Awards will recognize psychiatrists, mental health professionals, and mental health programs that have undertaken innovative and supportive efforts to do the following:

• Raise awareness of mental illness in minority communities, the need for early recognition, the availability of treatment and how to access it, and the cultural barriers to treatment.

• Increase access to quality mental health services for minorities.

• Improve the quality of care for minorities, particularly those in the public health system or with severe mental illness.

The foundation will recognize two recipients with an award check in the amount of $5,000. Winning programs will be featured on the Web sites and in the publications of the foundation and APA. Additionally, award winners and their programs will be recognized at APA’s annual meetings in May and October.

“Medicaid and other state-funded mental health programs, which serve a disproportionate number of minority individuals, are being cut back drastically by states attempting to balance their budgets,” said Abram M. Hostetter, M.D., president of the foundation. “We hope this award program will stimulate psychiatrists and other professionals to find creative ways to provide quality mental health care to these most vulnerable patients.”

He continued, “We are thrilled to partner with Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc. in establishing this program. The support of Otsuka will make a significant impact in easing the disparities in quality mental health care for minorities.”

Hiromi Yoshikawa, chair and CEO of Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc., said, “We are delighted to support the American Psychiatric Foundation on a program that will recognize the health care professionals who work to break down the cultural and ethnic barriers to treating mental illness among minorities. The foundation and Otsuka share a common vision to improve the mental well-being of all people.”

Applications for the Minority Mental Health Awards must be postmarked by November 1. Winners will be notified in February 2004.

More information can be obtained from the foundation by visiting its Web site at www.PsychFoundation.org or calling (703) 907-8517. ▪