APA Members, Staffers Donate More Than $30,000 to Disaster Relief

Dec 08, 2017

ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Psychiatric Association Foundation, a business entity of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), today presented checks totaling $30,000 to the American Red Cross for disaster relief efforts in mainland U.S. and Puerto Rico. The Foundation also announced that it will later present a check of $3,000 to CrearConSalud, a nonprofit providing mental health services in Puerto Rico.

The U.S. has experienced a significant number of natural disasters this year: hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and wildfires in California. The APA Foundation created a disaster relief fund and APA members and staffers responded. The Foundation presented a $20,000 check to the Red Cross’ Disaster Services Program, which includes its Disaster Mental Health Volunteer Program and supports all disasters. The Foundation also presented a $10,000 check designated for relief efforts for Hurricane Maria.

“Our physician members and members of the APA administration answered the calls for help with generous donations or actual assistance on the ground,” said APA Foundation Executive Director Dan Gillison. “I’m honored to see our organization rise to the occasion to help those in need.”

At a later date, the Foundation will present a $3,000 check to CrearConSalud, a nonprofit group of Puerto Rican psychiatrists living in the U.S. who are assisting relief efforts on their home island.

“The mental health impacts of natural disasters are felt long after a hurricane clears an area or a wildfire is finally extinguished,” said APA Foundation Chairman Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A. “This donation is just a small part of our overall effort to provide healing in the wake of a natural disaster.”

The American Psychiatric Association Foundation and the American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association Foundation, a business entity of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), works to create a mentally healthy nation by advancing mental health, overcoming mental illness and eliminating stigma. The APA, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 37,000 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.

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