OMNA on the Move
Annelle Primm, M.D., director of APA's Office of Minority and National Affairs (OMNA), launched a new effort called “OMNA on Tour” at Howard University in Washington, D.C., in late January. These are among the program's goals:
Identify and analyze needs of regions of the country with high concentrations of underserved ethnic and racial groups. | |||||
Educate audiences about mental health disparities. | |||||
Disseminate information about local resources and models that work. | |||||
Mobilize stakeholders of various backgrounds and disciplines to collaborate to eliminate mental health disparities. | |||||
The following is OMNA's mission, said Primm:
To enlarge APA's profile as a leader in eliminating mental health disparities. | |||||
To inspire, elevate, and recognize minority psychiatrists and those from underrepresented groups. | |||||
To serve as a clearinghouse for information on mental health disparities. | |||||
To increase diversity in psychiatry. | |||||
OMNA administers fellowship programs and offers a mentoring network to support and encourage members of minority groups interested in the field of psychiatry. The office developed “Real Psychiatry: Doctors in Action,” a video aimed at recruiting medical graduates, particularly members of minorities, into psychiatry.
OMNA established the Health Disparities Roundtable in partnership with the American Psychiatric Foundation to encourage health care leaders to address relevant issues and is seeking to expand its speakers bureau by inviting more minority psychiatrists to join.
