What’s New at the APA
- APA joined with 62 other medical organizations in releasing a joint statement in support of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all workers in health care. You can read the full joint-statement and see the list of signatories here.
- APA released guidance and resources for coping with disaster and trauma as extraordinary climate events continue to affect millions across the country. Disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, and deaths extreme heat waves can have a lasting impact on mental health. You can see the full list of tips and collected resources here.
- APA released a statement praising house passage of the FY22 Appropriations bill, which provides much needed increases for mental health and SUD treatment programs. You can read the full statement and see an expanded list of funding provisions related to mental health and substance use disorders here.
Key Dates and Observances
APA Communications staff maintains a calendar of key dates, observances and events at APA and in the world of mental health in general. The calendar is kept up to date a few months in advance. You can view the calendar and keep track of important mental health dates and observances here.
August Course of the Month – Management of Pain Without Opioids
Psychiatrists offer a unique perspective in the management of chronic pain given their knowledge of comorbid disorders as well as psychopharmacology. This course will review applying a comprehensive framework for individualized treatment plans for patients, implementing structured plans of non-pharmacological psychotherapy, as well as prescribing a variety of non-opioid medication classes.
Click here to access the Course of the Month and sign up for updates about this free member benefit.
The Mental Health Services Conference | Registration Now Open!
October 14 – 15, 2021 | Virtual
The Mental Health Services Conference will be held virtually this October 14 to 15 on the theme “Sociopolitical Determinants: Practice, Policy and Implementation.” The purpose of the Mental Health Services Conference will be to highlight educational programs and innovations designed to ensure equal access to high-quality mental health care for all populations regardless of race/ethnicity, age, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, or geographical background.
https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/meetings/the-mental-health-services-conference
Striving for Excellence Series: Addressing Mental Health Disparities Among African Americans/Blacks Through Patient Care
The Morhouse School of Medicine & APA have launched Striving for Excellence, a new virtual learning series that focuses on racial disparities in mental health. Past webinars are archived online, and the next, on August 6 at 3 p.m. EDT, is entitled Self-Assessment for Modification of Anti-Racism Tool.
You can learn more about the Striving for Excellence Series here.
2022 Annual Meeting Submissions Now Open
APA is now accepting abstract submissions for its 2022 Annual Meeting, which will be held May 21-25, in New Orleans, on the theme of “Social Determinants of Mental Health.” For consideration, please submit abstracts on APA’s website by Thursday, Sept. 9, at 5 p.m. ET. Learn more.
APA Town Hall with NIH and SAMHSA Leadership – Recording Now Available
As the COVID-19 pandemic slowly recedes in the U.S., what do top leaders at the National Institutes of Health on mental health and substance use and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) see next on the horizon? Watch the Town Hall recording to hear National Institutes of Health leaders address your questions.
https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/education/apa-on-demand/apa-town-hall-with-nih-leadership
Enroll in Summer Courses – 40% Discount for Members!
APA is offering 10 interactive, collaborative courses this summer with reading, pre-recorded videos and quizzes, live group activities, case vignette discussions, and individual project assignments. Attendees can earn up to 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ accredited activities during each two-week course.
https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/meetings/annual-meeting/learning-opportunities/courses
2020 Impact Report is Now Available
The American Psychiatric Association Foundation’s 2020 Impact Report is now ready to download and view. In a year that started with so many challenges but ended with so much hope, we are grateful for the Foundation’s generous donors, corporate and foundation partners who made our work possible!
https://apafdn.org/news-events/news/our-2020-impact-report-is-now-available
Chester Pierce Award
APA has launched a campaign to endow the Chester Pierce Human Rights Award, creating a new lectureship and travel stipend for each year’s APA Annual Meeting. The award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of individuals and organizations to promote the human rights of populations with mental health needs by bringing attention to their work.
https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/awards-leadership-opportunities/awards/chester-pierce-award-endowment-campaign
Were you Impacted or Inspired by Dr. Chester Pierce? Please send us a story or testimonial if you were impacted or inspired by Dr. Chester Pierce and his work. Feedback can be sent directly by email to apafdev@psych.org.
Nominations Invited for APA Board of Trustees
The APA Nominating Committee is seeking recommendations for potential candidates to serve on the APA national offices for service beginning in May 2022. All members are invited to recommend individuals you believe possess the qualities needed to lead APA in the future and advance psychiatry together. Learn more about eligibility and nominate yourself or a colleague by September 1, 2021.
Are You Willing To Share Your Expertise On An APA Council or Committee?
APA President-Elect, Rebecca W. Brendel, M.D., J.D., invites members to serve on an APA Council or Committee for service beginning in May 2022. APA Councils and Committees provide expertise in the development of policy and resources for our membership and the profession. If you have expertise in the content areas of the 13 councils, we strongly encourage you to submit your name and ensure the breadth of diversity within the membership is reflected. Learn more about eligibility and nominate yourself or a colleague by September 1, 2021.
https://www.psychiatry.org/about-apa/meet-our-organization/councils
APA Needs Your Voice
APA is calling on all APA Congressional Advocates and members interested in getting involved in APA’s advocacy efforts to meet with members of Congress on two signature issues: telehealth and mental health parity. APA is launching this advocacy effort through APA’s Congressional Advocacy Network and your voice is crucial to our success! We are asking APA’s CAN member advocates to schedule meetings in August with your members of Congress and their staff on these important issues. If you are interested in advocating for psychiatry, sign up for APA’s Congressional Advocacy Network. For additional questions about the CAN program or this advocacy push email Sage Bauer (sbauer@psych.org).