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Association NewsFull Access

APA Awards Innovative MH Service Programs

Published Online:18 Nov 2005https://doi.org/10.1176/pn.40.22.0016

APA presented its annual Psychiatric Services Achievement Awards at its 2005 Institute on Psychiatric Services last month in San Diego to innovative programs that deliver services to mentally ill or disabled people, have overcome obstacles, and can serve as models for other programs. This annual competition, begun in 1949, is supported by a grant from Pfizer Inc.

Aaron Kuzemka (left) of Pfizer Inc. presents a check for $10,000 to Sam Tsemberis, Ph.D., executive director of Pathways to Housing Inc. in New York City, winner of the 2005 Gold Award for community-based programs. Alexa Whoriskey, M.D., Pathways' medical director, holds the plaque.

Ellen Dallager

The 2005 awards, selected from a field of 54 applications, were presented by Debbie Carter, M.D., chair of the awards committee. All winning programs participated in a special workshop at the institute.

Gold Award winners were presented with a $10,000 check and plaque; Silver Award winners in the other categories received a plaque.

Gold Awards

Primary Mental Health Care Clinic at the White River Junction VA Medical Center in White River Junction, Vt., won in the category of academically or institutionally sponsored programs. The program was recognized for “its unique application of a model to provide comprehensive psychiatric care within a primary care setting and improve treatment engagement.”

Pathways to Housing Inc. in New York City won the Gold Award in the category of community-based programs. The award was accepted by Sam Tsemberis, Ph.D., and Alexa Whoriskey, M.D. Pathways to Housing was selected for the“ exemplary success of [its] housing first program in the provision of permanent housing and treatment services for adults with severe mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders.”

Aaron Kuzemka (second from left) of Pfizer Inc. shakes hands with Andrew S. Pomerantz, M.D., chief of the Primary Mental Health Care Clinic of the White River Junction VA Medical Center in Vermont, the winner of the APA 2005 Achievement Award for academically or institutionally sponsored programs. Looking on are Debbie Carter, M.D., chair of APA's 2005 Achievement Awards Committee, and Brady Cole, codirector of the clinic.

Ellen Dallager

Silver Awards

POPPA (Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance) in New York City was recognized for “outstanding commitment to providing confidential peer-based counseling to police officers and families affected by traumatic events and work-related stressors.” Frank Dowling, M.D., and Bill Genet accepted the award.

World Trade Center Healing Services/Child and Adolescent Program at Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Center in New York City was recognized for“ exemplary success in the provision of expert trauma treatment to students with stress-related symptoms and post traumatic stress disorder as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and other traumatic events.” Lea Defrancisci, M.D., accepted the award.

More information about the 2005 winners is posted at<http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/current.shtml#/ARTICLES>. Information about the 2006 Achievement Awards competition is available from Mary Ward at (202) 907-8592 or .▪