NMHA Commends SAMHSA's Appointment of New CMHS Director

National Mental Health Association
Thursday, 26 June 2003

Today the National Mental Health Association supports the appointment of A. Kathryn Power as the new director of the Center for Mental Health Services, a component of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

"Over the last decade, A. Kathryn Power has proved to be a strong ally to mental health consumers by stressing the importance of quality, community-based services and increasing awareness around trauma and its role in the lives of people with mental illness" said Michael Faenza, NMHA President and CEO. "NMHA is confident that Power will bring a needed perspective to the challenges ahead."

Power presently serves as the director of the Rhode Island Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals. A graduate of St. Joseph's College, Power received both her medical degree and masters degree in education and counseling from Western Maryland College. She is also a clinical teaching associate at Brown University and a Captain in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

"CMHS is vital to America's mental health services, and NMHA and its 340 affiliates nationwide look forward to working closely with Power to improve these services – especially as we await the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health report," said Faenza.

The National Mental Health Association is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans through advocacy, education, research and service.

For more information, or to contact National Mental Health Association, see their website at: www.nmha.org