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Diversity & Health Equity

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Our Vision

APA members represent a diverse and culturally responsive community of psychiatrists that promote mental health equity through the provision of quality mental health care to all persons regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religious orientation, and/or disability status.

Our Core Values

We value equity, inclusion, respect, mentorship, and collaboration.

Our Mission

  • Develop programs and resources to bring awareness to and support the needs of evolving, diverse, underrepresented, and underserved patient populations.
  • Implement strategies to enrich the diverse representation of psychiatrists within the APA.
  • Collaborate across multiple medical and non-medical sectors to end disparities in mental health care.

Featured Events and Initiatives

Structural Racism Task Force

The APA Presidential Task Force to Address Structural Racism Throughout Psychiatry was formed by APA President Dr. Jeffrey Geller in June 2020.

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Moore Equity in Mental Health 5K

Join APA Saturday, July 10 for a Virtual 5K: Run, Walk, or Roll benefitting APA Foundation's Moore Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Initiative.

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Mental Health Equity Fireside Chats

View upcoming virtual discussion and recordings of previous discussions that highlight the mental health of underserved populations related to current issues.

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Explore Activities, Programs, and Initiatives

Education

Explore CME, toolkits, fact sheets, and other educational content specifically for diverse and vulnerable populations.

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Outreach and Workforce

View program, leadership, and networking opportunities aimed at supporting and increasing diversity within APA and psychiatry.

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Advocacy and News

View statements, press releases, and advocacy resources to promote the needs of minority and underserved populations.

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Governance

View information on APA's seven M/UR Caucuses, including how to join and how to vote for caucus leadership.

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Connect

Meet our team for programs and resources related to DDHE and contact us to get engaged with our work.

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Upcoming Events

News and Updates

October 11, 2021

The Philadelphia Inquirer: Shatter the myths about suicide and kids of color

Drs. Saul Levin and Regina James. Doctors from the American Psychiatric Association say that medical professionals and researchers must rededicate themselves to ensuring that young people of color receive mental health services.

July 9, 2021

ABC7 News DC: Mental Health 5K

Seven's on your side raising awareness of the mental and health needs of children of color in the district. The American Psychiatric Association hosts its first annual "Moore Equity In Mental Health 5K." Dr. Regina James, Chief of the Division of Diversity and Health Equity joined us to discuss the event.

July 9, 2021

APA's Moore Equity in Mental Health 5K Virtual Program

APA in partnership with the APA Foundation, hosted its inaugural Moore Equity in Mental Health Virtual 5k July 9th, 2021, supporting mental health equity in BIPOC youth, education, and awareness around this issue.

July 5, 2021

NBC4 Washington: Virtual 5K Aims to Raise Awareness of Need for Mental Health Care

Social isolation during the pandemic hit children especially hard. The Moore Equity in Mental Health 5K aims to help raise awareness and raise funds to help.

June 28, 2021

NBC4 Washington: National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

News4’s Shawn Yancy spoke with Dr. Regina James of the American Psychiatric Association about National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

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April 27, 2021

News 4 Your Sunday: Effect of the George Floyd Case

News4’s Pat Lawson Muse spoke with American Psychiatric Association Deputy Medical Director Regina James, M.D., about the effect of the George Floyd murder and the trial and conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

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April 6, 2021

The Pandemic and Mental Health

APA Deputy Medical Director and DDHE Chief Dr. Regina James spoke with Howard University's WHUR 96.3 Taking it to the Streets to promote the April 8 Mental Health Equity Fireside Chat. Listen to the segments on WHUR's website.

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February 22, 2021

APA Unveils New Strategic Plan on Mental Health Equity

American Psychiatric Association's Division of Diversity and Health Equity (DDHE) has launched a new strategic plan to work toward achieving diversity and mental health equity.

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October 29, 2020

Address Your Feelings During This Election Cycle and Seek Medical Care if Needed

During these uncertain times, it can be very difficult to manage all that is happening around us: the pandemic, job and financial insecurities, police brutality leading to protests and community unrest, and uneasiness around the voting process and the election outcome.