In the Public Interest
A publication of the Public Interest Directorate
April 2008
LEAD STORY
HIV/AIDS and Mental Health in Africa: A call for strengthened collaboration between mental health and HIV/AIDS programs in Africa
Poor access to mental health care for people infected and affected by HIV combined with poor access to HIV prevention, care and treatment for people with mental health needs were key themes discussed at a World Federation for Mental Health.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...
- The PI Violence Prevention Office sponsored the ACT Program 4th Annual Leadership Seminar on March 7 and 8
Thirty-nine U.S. ACT Community Coordinators and 2 Coordinators from Toronto attended. Coordinators discussed their successes, challenges, and strategies to improve program implementation. - Congratulations: President of the Society for the Psychological Study of Ethnic Minority Issues (Division 45)
Dr. Beth Boyd was inducted as President of the Society for the Psychological Study of Ethnic Minority Issues (Division 45) Saturday, August 18, 2007 during the Division’s annual business meeting. - Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Briefing on Children's Mental Health and Juvenile Justice Issues
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee sponsored a briefing on children’s mental health and juvenile justice issues as part of the reauthorization of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration legislation. - The Public Interest Government Relations Office has been working closely with key congressional staff on the proposed HIV Elimination Act, and with key HIV/AIDS organizations to influence the National AIDS Strategy
APA Congressional Testimonies and Briefings - The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns Office took the lead in revising and updating Just the Facts about Sexual Orientation and Youth
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns Office took the lead in revising and updating Just the Facts about Sexual Orientation and Youth, a joint publication of 13 education, health, mental health, and religious organizations that assists schools in responding to advocacy for schools to provide information to their students about “reparative therapies” and “transformational ministries.” - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns Office (LGBTCO) prepared an advocacy briefing sheet on sexual orientation discrimination in the U.S. military
Sexual orientation and military service resources. - The Office of Ethnic Minority Affairs staffed the January 2008 meeting of the Council of National Psychological Associations for the Advancement of Ethnic Minority Interests in Phoenix, AZ.
Information on Council of National Psychological Associations for the Advancement of Ethnic Minority Interests (CNPAAEMI) and National Ethnic Minority Psychological Associations. - APA member Allison Pinto PhD Testifies on Behalf of APA at a House Committee on Education & Labor Hearing
APA member Allison Pinto, Ph.D. (Louis de la Parte Florida Medical Health Institute, University of South Florida) testified on behalf of APA at a House Committee on Education & Labor hearing entitled, “Cases of Child Neglect and Abuse at Private Residential Treatment Facilities.” - The Women’s Programs Office (WPO) released a new consumer brochure on postpartum depression
This brochure identifies the symptoms and risk factors and provides resources for women suffering from postpartum depression. - An Interdisciplinary Discussion and Strategy Session on Socioeconomic Status
The Public Interest Directorate’s newly-created Office on Socioeconomic Status (OSES) recognizes that much of the advocacy, research, policy, and programmatic work on socioeconomic status is interdisciplinary in nature. - CONA Award for the Advancement of Psychology and Aging
The recipient of the 2007 Award for the Advancement of Psychology and Aging is Martha Storandt, PhD. - Representative Bobby Rush (D-IL) hosted a press conference to celebrate the passage of the Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression
Representative Bobby Rush (D-IL) hosted a press conference to celebrate the passage of the Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act (H.R. 20) in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Welcome to "In The Public Interest"!
- Welcome to "In The Public Interest!"
In the Public Interest will serve as an added channel of communication and opportunity to work with our constituents, collaborators, governance leaders and friends in sharing information about topics of relevance to our work in “bringing psychology to the public.”
Opportunities for Psychologists and Students
- Governing Public Interest: The Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest (BAPPI)
The American Psychological Association is governed by an extensive system comprised of the Association membership at the top, followed by the Council of Representatives, Board of Directors, and then boards and committees. - Committee on Children, Youth, and Families Call for Nominations for Terms Beginning in 2009
CYF welcomes nominations from individuals interested in linking research and policy for children and families within APA and the profession.
Government Relations Office News
- Public Interest Government Relations Office (PI-GRO)
Welcoming New Staff. In June, Krysta Jones, M.A., joined PI-GRO as the new Senior Legislative and Federal Affairs Officer.
Mark Your Calendar:
- Work, Stress, and Health 2009: Global Concerns and Approaches
The conference series is designed to address the constantly changing nature of work and the implications of these changes for the health, safety, and well-being of workers. This year the conference will highlight work, stress, and health as a subject of global concern affecting developed and developing countries alike.
