Arizona Legislator Amish Shah, M.D., M.P.H., Receives APA’s Javits Award for Public Service

Amish Shah, M.D., M.P.H., an emergency medicine physician and member of the Arizona House of Representatives, was awarded the 2024 APA Jacob K. Javits Public Service Award for his dedication to improving access to quality care, and his advocacy for mental health reform. The Javits Award is APA’s highest honor for contributions to the field of mental health by a federal or state public official.

“Not only in hospitals but also in the Arizona House of Representatives, Dr. Shah has left his mark as a distinctly skilled and dedicated voice for mental health,” said APA President Petros Levounis, M.D., M.A., in a statement. “His tireless efforts include working across the aisle to pass legislation like ‘Jake’s Law,’ promoting important mental health interventions such as the Collaborative Care Model and advocating for youth to more easily access mental health care services.”

Jake’s Law, signed into law by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey in 2020, authorizes the state division of insurance to enforce the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and ensure insurance companies are complying with parity requirements. The law also allocated $8 million to support behavioral health services for children who are uninsured or underinsured. The law is named in honor of Jake Machovsky, an Arizona teen who lost his life to suicide in 2016.

"I am deeply honored to receive the Jacob K. Javits Public Service Award from the American Psychiatric Association,” Shah said in a statement. “This recognition not only reflects my commitment but also underscores the urgent need to address mental health with the same dedication as we do physical health. As we continue to remove the barriers to mental health services, we must also push for healthcare reforms that recognize mental health as essential to overall well-being. I am excited to collaborate with APA to make this happen."

Since 2019, Shah has represented Arizona’s 24th District serving Central Phoenix, Sunnyslope and South Scottsdale. He is currently running as a Democrat for the United States House of Representatives from Arizona’s 1st District.

Gagan Singh, M.D., president of the Arizona Psychiatric Society, said Shah has been an exemplary physician and a champion for enhanced access to equitable mental health care. “He has worked tirelessly to decrease the shame often associated with mental illness, streamline the path to accessing mental health care, and improve the holistic health of Arizonans in his district and beyond,” Singh said.

Each year, APA confers the Javits Award on a state or federal public servant for outstanding contributions to the profession of psychiatry and to mental health advocacy. APA established the award in 1986 in honor of Sen. Jacob K. Javits, who represented New York state in the U.S. Senate from 1957 to 1981.

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The study relies on financial experts in physician practices to complete the online financial information survey. The number of direct patient care hours is a critical component of the Medicare payment methodology. Participation will ensure that practice expenses and patient care hours are accurately reflected.

Washington Senator Manka Dhingra Honored With APA’s Javits Award

APA has selected Washington State Sen. Manka Dhingra, a democrat representing Washington’s 45th Legislative District, as this year’s winner of the Jacob K. Javits Award for Public Service. The award recognizes Dhingra’s dedication to ensuring patients, families, and communities have access to quality mental health care from well-trained professionals.

The Javits Award honors a federal and/or state public servant who has made outstanding contributions to the profession of psychiatry and mental health advocacy. It was established in 1986 to honor the legacy of Sen. Jacob K. Javits of New York, who was a champion on behalf of people with mental illness. The award was presented to Dhingra at an event jointly hosted by the Washington State Psychiatric Society, the Washington State Medical Association, and NAMI Washington.

“Sen. Dhingra’s relentless advocacy has led to the passage of critical mental health policies benefitting patients throughout the state of Washington,” said APA President Rebecca Brendel, M.D., J.D., in an APA news release. “Her outstanding leadership has helped create a framework for 9-8-8 and the crisis response system in Washington, improve mental health directives, and reform the criminal justice system.”

The first Sikh state legislator elected in the country, Dhingra serves not only as the deputy majority leader of the senate, but also as the senior deputy prosecuting attorney with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. She is a mental health and crisis intervention professional who has assisted in developing the Regional Mental Health Court, the Veterans Court, and the Community Assessment and Referral for Diversion program. Further, she has provided Crisis Intervention Training for law enforcement officers to increase efficacy and safety when responding to someone experiencing a mental health crisis.

“Psychiatrists simply cannot be as effective as they are without the tireless work of mental health champions like Sen. Dhingra,” said Thomas Soeprono, M.D., president of the Washington State Psychiatric Association, in the release. “She has strengthened community transitions, eased integration with the Involuntary Treatment Act, and established a statewide Office for Behavioral Health Ombuds, all huge accomplishments that empower our work to reach the vulnerable mentally ill.”

This year, Dhingra championed a bill that the governor signed into law, which creates a clear pathway through which a court can direct people with severe mental health disorders to assisted outpatient treatment (AOT). Such treatment puts a judge and a care team in charge of coordinating care using the least restrictive form of treatment necessary, according to a news release from Dhingra’s office. Dhingra is also a supporter of survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Last year she sponsored a bill, which was signed into law, that streamlines the process by which survivors can vacate sentences they received for offenses that occurred as the result of sex trafficking, domestic violence, or sexual assault.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award,” said Dhingra. “None of us do this work by ourselves, and I am truly grateful for all the incredible partners who have helped destigmatize mental illness, reduce barriers to access, and bring mental wellness into our lives. While there is much more work to be done, with all your support we can ensure that all Washingtonians receive the services and support they need when they need them.”

For related information, see the Psychiatric News Alert “APA Honors Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman for Her Work to Improve Mental Health Care.”

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APA Honors Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman for Her Work to Improve Mental Health Care

APA has selected Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.) as this year’s winner of its Jacob K. Javits Award for Public Service for her commitment and dedication to increase patient access to mental health and substance use disorder services.

The Javits Award recognizes a federal and/or state public servant who has made outstanding contributions to the mental health community. It honors the legacy of Sen. Jacob K. Javits of New York, who achieved many successes on behalf of those with mental illness. The award was presented this past weekend during APA’s online federal advocacy conference.

“Rep. Watson Coleman’s leadership is critical to our nation’s mental health,” said APA President Vivian Pender, M.D., in an APA news release. “Her focus on health equities goes beyond simply funding the services that are needed, but to a wider lens of understanding how social determinants are impacting the mental health of diverse communities around the nation.”

In 2018, Watson Coleman convened a congressional hearing to discuss suicides among Black youth after data revealed that their suicide death rate was increasing faster than in other racial/ethnic groups. The following year, Watson Coleman helped to establish the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Emergency Taskforce on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health. The task force created a work group of Black mental health experts and advocates to identify the causes driving this crisis and possible solutions (past APA President Altha Stewart, M.D., was a member of this work group). In December 2019, the task force released a comprehensive report titled “Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America.” In conjunction with the release of the report, Watson Coleman introduced the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act of 2019 (HR 5469), a bill aimed at addressing disparities in access, care, and study of mental health issues among people of color. The bill passed the House but did not get a vote in the Senate. This past March, Watson Coleman and Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.) reintroduced the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act (HR 1475). This bill is strongly supported by APA.

Watson Coleman, who is serving her fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, is the first Black woman to represent New Jersey in Congress. Before her election to the House, Watson Coleman served eight consecutive terms in the New Jersey General Assembly, where she became the first Black woman to serve as majority leader and chair of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee. She is also the first Black woman to win the Javits Award.

“I’m deeply honored to receive the Javits Award. I am also grateful to the APA for their efforts in fighting youth suicide,” Watson Coleman said. “When I formed the Congressional Black Caucus’s Emergency Taskforce on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health, I immediately recognized the seriousness of the work we were doing. … I was also humbled by the outpouring of support and resources by the mental health community including organizations like the American Psychiatric Association and recognize that the work we’ve accomplished so far would not have been possible without their efforts.”

“I’m so pleased APA is presenting Rep. Watson Coleman with this award,” said APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A. “She is such an important ally in Congress for us and for all people with mental illness and substance use disorders, and her leadership is bringing real, positive change to communities.”

For related information, see the Psychiatric News articles “Congress Considering Bills to Curb Black Youth Suicide” and “Alarming Black Youth Suicide Trend Must Be Addressed, Experts Say.”

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Overcoming Addiction, Googling Patients, and More From APA’s 2017 Annual Meeting

Highlights of day four coverage from APA’s Annual Meeting include two tales of patient recovery, the ethical and clinical questions you should consider before Googling your patients, and debates over the value of genetic tests in psychiatric practice.

Through tomorrow, Psychiatric News is delivering an evening digest of some of the day’s highlights—from the lecture halls to the exhibit floor. Whether you are here in San Diego or at home, these reports will convey the excitement and outstanding scientific program being presented at this year’s meeting.

From Depths of Addiction to Triumph of Recovery: ABC Journalist Shares Story of Strength and Inspiration

During the 2017 William C. Menninger Memorial Award Lecture Monday, Elizabeth Vargas delivered a candid address, describing the evolution of her alcoholism and its roots in a gripping anxiety she experienced since childhood. Read More >

Author Cahalan Tells a Tale of the Art and Science of Clinical Care

“I know what it is like to lose your grip,” author Susannah Cahalan said during the Opening Session on Sunday. “I have come back intact, and I hope I can share with you the perspective of a patient. I want to offer you a view from the inside of psychosis, hallucinations, and delusions.” Read More >

Rep. Tim Murphy Wins Javits Award

Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Pa.), who spearheaded the effort for mental health reform in Congress, received APA’s 2017 Jacob K. Javits Award for Public Service. Read More >

To Google or Not to Google: How Much Do You Want to Know About Your Patient?

The practice of Googling a patient’s name may be too easy to resist and may seem innocuous. But a panel of experts said that Googling and other forms of collecting collateral information about a patient online raise a host of questions, ethical and clinical, about how that information may affect the physician-patient relationship and clinical care. Read More >

Pediatric Psychosomatic Physician Talks About Special Considerations for Young, Medically Ill

While most people think of psychosomatic medicine as a field that treats adult patients with cancer, HIV/AIDS, or other serious illnesses, there is a vibrant and emerging community of pediatric psychosomatic doctors. Read More >

Expert Panel Debates Benefits, Harms of Pharmacogenetic Testing

Over the course of a Learning Lab session, experts fielded a range of questions on genetic testing—including scientific, ethical, judicial, and financial considerations. Read More >

Lessons Learned From Studying Mental Health Outcomes of U.S., U.K. Soldiers

The president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists describes the similarities and differences between the mental health outcomes of U.S. and U.K. military members. Read More >

APA Raises $16,000 for Free Clinic Project

The proceeds from the annual APA Gives Back program went to the UCSD Student-Run Free Clinic Project. The project operates four clinics in the San Diego area, providing free medical and preventive care, health education, and access to social services. Read More >

APA Honors Sen. Whitehouse

The American Psychiatric Association presented U.S. Sen., Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) with its Jacob K. Javits Award for Public Service on March 13, at the U.S. Capitol.

The award recognizes Whitehouse’s leadership in support of two key pieces of legislation affecting mental health practice. The Behavioral Health Information Technology Act of 2011 would grant psychiatrists working in psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, and addiction treatment facilities the same critical Medicare or Medicaid rebates toward the purchase of electronic medical record systems for which other physicians are eligible. He also backed the Children’s Hospitals Education Equity Act, which makes a technical fix to the Children’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) Program, which currently excludes certain psychiatric hospitals from federal GME funding. The new bill would make several dozen additional psychiatric residencies across the country eligible for critical GME support.

To read about threats to Medicare funding of graduate medical education in Psychiatric News, click here.

(photo: office of Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse)