APA Daily Bulletin - Day 4, 2008 - (Page 4) Wednesday/Thursday The Daily BULLETIN 4 May 7-8, 2008 DISTRICT BRANCH SUCCESS North Carolina association changes political landscape for mental health The North Carolina Psychiatric Association affected their state’s gubernatorial race by bringing mental health care to the forefront in the campaign. Next, the association helped bring about reform in the state’s current public health policy on mental illness by bringing media attention to some of the system’s problems. The NCPA accomplished all that and more during the past year, earning them the APA Assembly’s Best Practice Award. The association was recognized on Sunday at the annual meeting. “I am so honored and so pleased that psychiatrists in North Carolina are being recognized because they have gone above and beyond the call of duty,” said Robin Huffman, executive director of NCPA. The association’s Legislative Committee, lead by John Gilmore, MD, launched www. NCMentalHealthVOTE.org to promote mental health issues during this year’s gubernatorial race. Candidates all posted position papers on the site, and participated in a January 23rd press conference on their ideas for improving the mental health system. “We wondered, how do we make sure when we elect our governor in 2008 that we hold people responsible for their positions on caring for people with mental illness, addiction and substance abuse problems?” Huffman said. NCMentalHealthVOTE.org was also supported by the local chapters of National Association for Mental Illness and the Mental Health Association. NCPA also promoted reform in current health policy by using opinion and editorial columns in local papers to draw attention to some of the major problems in North Carolina’s system. NCPA’s past and current presidents both wrote pieces to point out needed reforms. Eventually, the Raleigh News & Observer picked up on the story and ran a five-part series after a six-month investigation. “Last month the governor held a press conference announcing reforms and making changes, and NCPA had a part in getting the attention of the governor, and the media and the citizens of North Carolina,” Huffman said. NCPA’s efforts even made it into national news, with a USA Today mention of NCMentalHealthVOTE.org. “This is leadership from psychiatrists. This is an example of what a district branch or state society can do to make a difference for our members, what we can do to make a difference for our patients, and what we can do for our state at large when we pull together and stand up for patients,” Huffman said. The District Branch Best Practice Award was established in 2002 to recognize the efforts and innovative programs of a District Branch in the past year. Rebate Program If you’re not a member of the APA but would like to join while you’re here in DC, you can receive a rebate on the difference between the registration rates for members and nonmembers. Once your membership’s approved, part of the rebate will go toward 2008 members dues, and the balance will either be refunded or go to next year’s dues. It’s your choice. Just stop by the the APA Member Center or the registration area to learn more. You have to submit your application at the meeting to participate in this program. Please visit us at Booth #1236 The APA Daily Bulletin is published by the APA’s Office of Communications & Public Affairs as a service to the members of the American Psychiatric Association. Produced by TriStar Publishing, Inc. Managing Editor Gionne A. Johnson Production Editor Erin E. Jungmeyer Art & Design Elisabeth Nord American Psychiatric Association 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Ste. 1825 Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 703-907-8640 press@psych.org • www.psych.org TriStar Publishing, Inc. 7285 W. 132nd Street, Suite 300 Overland Park, KS 66213 Phone: 913-491-4200 Fax: 913-491-4202 www.tristarpub.com LYU00558 © 2008 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. April 2008 http://NCMentalHealthVOTE.org http://NCMentalHealthVOTE.org http://NCMentalHealthVOTE.org http://NCMentalHealthVOTE.org http://NCMentalHealthVOTE.org http://www.psych.org http://www.tristarpub.com
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