Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was honored last night by the American Psychological Association Practice Organization (APAPO) for her advocacy work and legislative accomplishments on mental health issues. APAPO presented Pelosi with the 2011 Outstanding Leadership Award, given annually to a member of Congress who has prominently championed the goals of professional psychology.
"House Democratic Leader Pelosi has been a tireless crusader of mental health rights," says APA Executive Director for Professional Practice Katherine C. Nordal, Ph.D. "APA is delighted to present this award to someone who has been instrumental in passing health care reform that promotes integrated mental health and physical health services."
Leader Pelosi is a longtime advocate of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, signed into law in 2008. She is also a champion of health care reform that integrates mental health care with primary care. During her four years as Speaker of the House, Pelosi worked closely with committee chairmen to avert Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) cuts and extend through 2011 the restoration of Medicare reimbursement that was cut from outpatient mental health services in 2007.
"The APA is helping give millions of Americans the tools they need to lead healthy and happy lives," Pelosi said. "Health care reform and the Wellstone Domenici Mental Health Parity Act moved our nation forward by ensuring that mental health is a key component of primary care. I am honored by the Outstanding Leadership Award and I will continue my efforts to create a healthier America."
Leader Pelosi is the first woman in American history to serve as Speaker of the House. Leader Pelosi's signature accomplishment is the historic health insurance reform, which creates a Patient's Bill of Rights. Pelosi, a mother of five and grandmother of eight, has represented the City of San Francisco since 1987.
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