As we head into July, I would like to revitalize the Public Psychiatry Committee.  There are a variety of challenging issues facing public psychiatry at the moment, and this committee has some unique opportunities through the MPS to partner with other committees to work on legislation, issues of substance use and challenges for people serviced in the public sector, including community violence and access to care.  We have already engaged with the Diversity Committee in looking at some of the challenges for new immigrants to the U.S., particularly with regard to accessing mental health care.

Please email me if you have questions about the committee.  If you are interested in joining the Public Psychiatry Committee, please email Heidi Bunes by July 3.  We will be setting up a meeting in the near future.

Ann L. Hackman, M.D., Chair