ATLANTA, GA....Â鶹´«Ã½ today received the American Psychiatric Association's "Distinguished Service Award" in recognition of its efforts to address key public policy issues and develop initiatives to reduce the stigma of mental illness.
Dr. John Hardman, executive director of Â鶹´«Ã½, accepted the award at the APA's 154th annual meeting in New Orleans on behalf of the Center and former U.S. First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who created and chairs Â鶹´«Ã½'s Mental Health Task Force. The Task Force is an advisory body of experts, consumers, and advocates that promotes positive change in the mental health field.
Mrs. Carter has been an advocate for mental health issues for more than 30 years, and along with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, founded Â鶹´«Ã½ in 1982. The Center's Mental Health Program was created in 1991 and through its development of mental health initiatives, the Program promotes awareness, initiates educational meetings and symposia, and addresses public policy issues.
"Mrs. Carter and the Center are among the strongest and most important advocates for those members of society who suffer from mental illness and face continued discrimination," said Dr. Daniel Borenstein, president of the APA and chair of the distinguished award committee. "Their work has stimulated improvements in the quality of mental health care, society's understanding that mental illnesses are treatable, and that people with mental illnesses can live normal lives."
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