APA Foundation Benefit Promises to Be a Swimming Success

From past experience, you know that APA’s Annual Meeting can be quite an adventure. You rarely have a free moment as you run from session to session, track down old friends and network with new colleagues, explore the Exhibit Hall, and grab a few cups of coffee along the way. To avoid total exhaustion, why not unwind at one of the meeting’s most popular parties?

Georgia Aquarium

The American Psychiatric Association Foundation will host a special benefit in the Oceans Ballroom of the Georgia Aquarium on Saturday, May 14, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. As the charitable arm of APA, the Foundation holds a benefit event each year to support initiatives that focus on advancing national attention on mental health issues and treatment, as well as assisting APA members.

Bring your appetite, dancing shoes, and lots of curiosity—those attending the benefit will have access to private viewing windows to observe Grayson and Qinu, the Aquarium’s two resident beluga whales, as well as other majestic and fascinating sea life. As one of Atlanta’s most popular tourist attractions, the Georgia Aquarium was certified when it opened by the Guinness Book of World Records as having more aquatic life than any other aquarium. That’s a lot of fish—and quite a sea life show!

Tickets to the benefit are now on sale. They have sold out quickly for previous benefits, so don’t delay. Proceeds help to support the programs and initiatives of the Foundation, all of which embody APA’s proud tradition of working to increase access to high-quality care for all people with mental disorders:

• 30 awards and nine fellowships and grants are given each year in the areas of research, career achievement, and early career advancement.

• 45,000 employers and other stakeholders receive training and educational resources through the Partnership for Workplace Mental Health Program, which promotes the business case for mental health care, including the importance of early recognition, access to care, and effective treatment.

• 70,000+ school staff across the country have been trained on the warning signs of mental illness through the school mental health education program and curriculum for high schools known as Typical or Troubled?

• 175 psychiatrists are now alumni of the Diversity Leadership Fellowship. The fellowship has helped ethnic minority psychiatry residents to become leaders in psychiatry.

• 755 judges have been trained through the Foundation’s Psychiatric Leadership Group on Criminal Justice. Psychiatric leaders advise judges on behavioral health issues that they may experience in the courtroom. This program has allowed the Foundation to play a leading role in the national Stepping Up Initiative.

• 71 grants have been awarded to medical schools to fund community mental health programs created and managed by students through the Helping Hands Grant Program.

• 1,500+ guides for faith leaders have been distributed as part of the Mental Health and Faith Partnership. This partnership aids faith leaders deal with mental health and substance use crises.

• Strategic partnerships with national organizations including Give an Hour, Healthy Minds PBS Show, the Campaign to Change Direction, and many other allies that show leadership and innovation in leveraging national networks on behalf of APA, psychiatry, and the quest for a mentally healthy nation.

As you make your arrangements for the Annual Meeting, be sure to include the APA Foundation benefit on your schedule. You will be helping to support the Foundation’s mission as you relax with colleagues in a memorable setting. If you are unable to attend and would like to make a donation to the Foundation, please visit the Foundation donation page. More information about the Foundation is available on their website, by emailing [email protected], or calling (703) 907-8512. ■