In the Public Interest May 2009 Executive Director's Column by Gwendolyn P. Keita, PhD Contributing to the debate over same-sex marriage In This Issue Public Interest Offers Wide Range of Programming in Toronto Highlights of the rich and varied programming sponsored by the Public Interest Directorate, the Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest, and Public Interest committees are available at the PI website. May 7, 2009 Is National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day An estimated 15 million children in the United States meet diagnostic criteria for having a mental disorder. Iowa State Supreme Court Says Same-Sex Marriage Ban Unconstitutional Iowa is the third state to allow same-sex marriage. APA policy was cited in the Court decision. MFP's Diversity Program in Neuroscience Loses Its Funding NIMH is shifting management of their fellowship grants from professional societies to academic institutions.  As a result, MFP’s Diversity Program in Neuroscience will close in June of next year.  Disability Mentoring Program Seeks Mentors Individuals with disabilities are sorely underrepresented in graduate psychology programs and careers.  The Office on Disability Issues is pleased to announce its Mentoring Program. SESRCD Applies Psychological Science and Practice to Reduce Health Disparities in Comprehensive Cancer Control Socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals are disproportionately affected by cancer in the United States.  Health disparities in cancer are caused by the complex interplay of social position, economic status, culture, and environment. Lead Story "Psychological and Behavioral Perspectives on Health Disparities" Promotes Psychology's Role in Policy The Office of Ethnic Minority Affairs, with the Public Interest Government Relations Office, has released a special issue of the Communique Newsjournal on "Psychological and Behavioral Perspectives on Health Disparities." This issue summarizes research on disparities experienced by LGBTQ African American youth, ethnic minority immigrant women, persons with HIV/AIDS, older ethnic minority adults, and many others; offers congressional and federal agency perspectives; explores the critical role of psychology in developing effective public policy addressing these disparities; and includes an advocacy toolkit.  Additional information is available in APA's press release. From the Public Interest Government Relation Office Congress and the Administration have been working at breakneck speed to pursue critical policy priorities during this nonelection year.  PI-GRO has seized opportunities to promote psychology in such priorities areas as respite care, postpartum depression, bullying prevention, juvenile justice, the geriatric health workforce, hate crimes and the rights of immigrants who are in same-sex partnerships. Announcements May 20 Congressional Briefing: Supporting a Healthier Workplace: Workplace Flexibility and Mental Health and Wellness (May 2009) Minority HIV Researchers: Call for Mentor and Mentee Applications for APA Cyber Mentor Program Psychology Summer Institute 2009 Richard M. Suinn Minority Achievement Award (Deadline extended) 2009 Distinguished Contributions to the Advancement of Disability Issues in Psychology Call for Nominations The Black Youth Resiliency Resolution has been introduced by Congressman Alcee Hastings! This is the result of APA's Task Force on the Resiliency and Strength of African American Youth.