News and Notes for APA District Branches/State Associations
What’s New at the APA
- APA released a statement on firearm violence in the wake of a string of recent incidents resulting in the senseless loss of life in Uvalde & Houston, TX, & Buffalo, NY. There have been over 200 mass shootings in America in 2022 alone. The statement calls on elected officials to enact common sense gun legislation and seeks to reinforce the fact that the vast majority of gun violence is not linked to mental illness. You can read APA’s full statement on the preventable public health crisis posed by gun violence here.
- APA Leadership changes took place at the conclusion of the 2022 APA Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Rebecca Brendel, M.D., J.D., assumed office as APA President, with Petros Levounis, M.D., M.A. now serving as President-Elect. In addition, Adam Nelson, M.D. assumed the role of Speaker of the APA Assembly, with Vasilis Pozios, M.D., DFAPA now serving as Speaker-Elect.
- APA honored Jim Obergefell with the John Fryer 50th Anniversary Speech Award. Obergefell was the named plaintiff from the landmark marriage equality case Obergefell v. Hodges, and was presented with this award for his courage in promoting equality for LGBTQ+ Americans. You can read more about Mr. Obergefell and his influence on LGBTQ+ rights 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.
Social Media Assets
APA is sharing infographics on disorders and its Healthy Minds Monthly polls for distribution on social media. Take a look at what’s available here.
June Course of the Month – Transgender-Affirming Care: What Every Psychiatrist Should Know
Modern research reflects that the number of people who identify as transgender or gender diverse (TGD) is greater than what was previously known. In order to encourage all psychiatrists to gain competency in working with members of the TGD community, this course will provide information on social, legal, medical, and psychiatric factors that inform treatment.
Click here to access the Course of the Month and sign up for updates about this free member benefit.
Call for Nominations: 2023 Chester M. Pierce Human Rights Award
Nominations for the 2023 APA/APAF Chester M. Pierce Human Rights Award are due July 1st. Endowed by the APA Foundation Chester M. Pierce Human Rights Award Endowment Campaign in 2021, this award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of individuals to promote the human rights of populations with mental health needs by bringing attention to their work. Visit the award webpage for nomination criteria or contact Omar Davis (odavis@psych.org), Manager, District Branch and International Relations, for more information. To learn more about the 2022 award recipient click here.
Royal College International Congress
The American Psychiatric Association proudly supports the International Congress of the Royal College of Psychiatrists—one of the most prestigious mental health events in the world. This year’s Congress will be the first in-person Congress in three years and a welcome chance to meet and network with colleagues again.
Please have a quick browse of the full program to fully appreciate the breadth and strength of what is on offer.
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/events/congress/registration
Save the Date: Moore Equity in Mental Health 5K: Run, Walk, or Roll on July 9th
Save the date and get involved as we work to address mental health inequities facing young people of color, while honoring mental health advocate Bebe Moore Campbell. Participate in the 5K in Washington, D.C on Saturday, July 9, 2022, when APA will host an in-person 5K run, walk, and roll at Anacostia Park, or join us virtually! More information is coming soon.
https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/diversity/moore-equity-in-mental-health-5k
Leaders Needed for the Advocate/Protégé Program (part of Leadership, Equity, and Diversity Institute)
The Advocate/Protégée Program of the LEAD Institute aims to refine APA/APAF SAMHSA Fellows' leadership skills by pairing them with APA leaders who share similar interests and will help foster professional growth and career development. Hallmarks of the program include: networking; technical and professional skill development; exposure to leadership experience; and first-in-line consideration to be advocated for opportunities to become APA leaders. Leaders within APA are a key part of the Fellows’ experience and are critical to the overall success of the SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program. Register today:
Just Released: APA DSM-5-TR – 20% Discount for Members
Developed with the help of more than 200 subject matter experts, DSM-5-TR includes revised text, clarifications to diagnostic criteria, incorporation of information on the impact of racism and discrimination on mental disorders, and updates to ICD-10-CM codes since 2013.
https://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2022.03.3.28
Self-Assessment in Psychiatry
Practicing psychiatrists and residents interested in assessing their level of knowledge regarding current psychiatric practice and clinical advances can complete the 2022 APA Annual Meeting Self-Assessment in Psychiatry. The self-assessment is a series of 100 questions developed to self-assess current knowledge in major topics in psychiatry, providing feedback that can be used to streamline your experience at the APA Annual Meeting. Members who complete the activity will be able to earn a maximum of 8 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ and self-assessment credit for MOC Part II.
https://education.psychiatry.org/diweb/catalog/item/eid/C2200101
Now Accepting Applications for Fellows of the APA (FAPA) – Deadline September 1
Fellows of the APA (FAPA) are members of a select group dedicated to shaping the role of psychiatry in our healthcare system. Becoming a Fellow is an honor that reflects your dedication to the profession and is recognized by your peers as a mark of your leadership in the field of psychiatry. Learn more and, if eligible, apply today.
Review Qualification Requirements
Watch APA’s Video Series on Common Mental Health Disorders
This year, APA is releasing a new series of videos on common mental health disorders. Watch the current videos on anxiety, depression, knowing the signs of addiction, and the latest video on climate change and mental health.