The American Psychiatric Foundation has announced that five universities have been selected to receive Helping Hands Grants. Each school will get a $5,000 grant for a community mental health service project initiated and managed by medical students under the supervision of medical faculty. The awards are made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Otsuka America Pharmaceuticals Inc.

The American Psychiatric Foundation is APA's philanthropic and educational arm. The mission of the foundation is to advance understanding that mental illnesses are real and can be effectively treated.

The Helping Hands Grant Program raises awareness of mental illness and the importance of early recognition and builds an interest among medical students in psychiatry and working in underserved communities.

"We are pleased to be able to provide grants to these dedicated medical students," said Richard Harding, M.D., president of the American Psychiatric Foundation. "Through the generous charitable gift from Otsuka America Pharmaceuticals Inc. and the initiative of these students, communities are improving the quality of mental health services for the under served."

More information about the foundation is posted at<www.psychfoundation.org>.▪