In the Public Interest
A publication of the Public Interest Directorate
March 2010
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
- APA’s Public Interest Government Relations Office (PI-GRO) reports on Health Care Reform (HCR) successes
As the ink dries on the nation’s new HCR law, the PI-GRO is reporting to APA membership on its success stories in advancing association priorities.
In This Issue
- APA provides testimony on critical veteran suicide issues
M. David Rudd, PhD, ABPP, provided testimony on APA’s behalf at a recent hearing on veteran suicide issues. The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs continues to highlight, utilizing the expertise of psychologists, the urgent need to address the tragedy of suicide among veteran populations. - Congressional testimony highlights mental health issues in the juvenile justice system
APA member Linda Teplin, PhD, testified at a March 11 hearing on girls in the juvenile justice system. Her statement addressed the critical and widespread mental health needs of detained youth and discussed best practices for intervention. - APA, Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) brief lawmakers on adoption and sexual orientation
A March briefing spearheaded by APA and SPSSI, in conjunction with other organizational partners, addressed legislation that seeks to redress State and local policies that prevent foster parenting and adoption based on sexual orientation. APA member Charlotte Patterson provided critical research support for proposed federal changes. - Psychologist speaks on Capitol Hill on critical HIV/AIDS issues
APA member Gail Wyatt, PhD, spoke along side actress Rosie Perez at a recent Capitol Hill briefing on HIV/AIDS issues. Dr. Wyatt addressed critical topics that included screening, outreach, cultural and linguistic competence, the need for related mental health and reproductive services. - APA provides testimony on U.S. Military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy
At a recent U.S. Senate hearing, PI-GRO provided testimony in favor of repealing the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. The Senate Armed Services Committee continues to hold hearings about the future of this policy regarding the service of gays and lesbians in the U.S. military. - Homelessness issues paramount for PI-GRO
With the completion of the report of the 2009 APA Presidential Task Force on Psychology’s Contribution to End Homelessness, PI-GRO engaged in dissemination efforts and related legislative activities. - APA informs Congressional watchdog report on elder abuse
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is preparing a report on elder abuse, at the direction of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. As a legislative branch agency, GAO works in a nonpartisan fashion to provide critical information and recommendations to Congress.
