Grady Dale, PhD, was awarded a Presidential Citation for his passionate and life-long community advocacy devoted toward reducing the stigma of seeking mental health care among minority and underserved urban children and families.
As co-founder of the non-profit organization, American Institute for Urban Psychological Services, Dale has effectively partnered with local media, churches and neighborhood, city and state organizations to raise awareness of the psychological and substance abuse issues among Baltimore's underserved population. He has been a remarkable leader, making mental health treatment more accessible and acceptable among the city's African-American population. Organizing and implementing community forums, Dale believes that psychologists should get out of their office and become an integral part of the community. He has exhibited tireless advocacy in finding ways to address local needs related to such issues as child abuse, health disparities and community violence. He has served his profession as president of Maryland Psychological Association, president of the Baltimore Psychological Association and APA Council representative.