SPAPN awards four individuals for their contributions in advancing mental health care in New Jersey

During this time of transformational change in our healthcare system, advanced practice nursing continues to be in the forefront. Each year, the Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of the New Jersey State Nurses Association provides an opportunity to formally recognize outstanding contributions made by New Jersey psychiatric advanced practice nurses and those who support their mission. This year, SPAPN held their annual awards dinner at the Shadowbrook CC in Shrewsbury on Sept 25^th. Awards were presented to four individuals for their contributions in advancing mental health care in New Jersey.

Out of her personal nightmare with postpartum depression, New Jersey's former first lady, Mary Jo Codey grew a passion for increasing awareness and services for this serious psychiatric disorder. During her husband Sen. Richard Codey's 14-month tenure as acting governor, New Jersey became the first state to sign a law committing resources to uninsured new mothers for PPD education, screening and treatment.

Senator and Mrs. Richard Codey were awarded the Society's Advocacy Award for the courage to speak out and their commitment to promoting more effective diagnoses and treatment of mental illness on both the state and national level.

Carolyn Torre, RN, MA, APN-C, Director of Nursing Practice at the New Jersey State Nurses Association has been steadfast and skillfully effective over the years in her work with the state legislature to establish and expand the scope of practice for New Jersey APNs.

Her current White Paper provides compelling evidence for the state legislature to amend the current restrictions and allow APNs to practice fully within the scope of their training, thus improving access to care in a state that is undersupplied with practitioners.

For her exemplary vision and influence, the Society of Psychiatric APNs awarded Carolyn Torre their 2009 Leadership Award.

The 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Andrea Aughenbaugh, RN, APN, CAE. Recently retired CEO of the New Jersey State Nurses Association and the Institute of Nursing, Andrea is one of the state's most highly respected healthcare professionals. She has been a dynamic leader for the NJSNA for almost 3 decades and has crafted the New Jersey State Nurses Association into one of the most influential and effective professional organizations in the state.

Ms. Aughenbaugh has worked tirelessly to pass numerous new laws and has been an outspoken and forceful advocate for nursing, advancing the cause of professionalism and respect for nurses. She has steadfastly adhered to the fundamental belief that "nursing is an essential part of the society it serves."

Karen Piren MS, APN received the 2009 Advocate of the Year Award. As Chief Nursing Officer at the Division of Mental Health Services, Karen has been an advocate and a visionary on behalf of the patients in New Jersey State Hospitals. She has created opportunities for psychiatric advanced practice nurses to expand their services and use their skills more effectively, resulting in greater access to mental health care in the state hospitals. She is a role model for compassion and an energetic participant in all the challenges we face in the changing health care system.

The Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses is dedicated to advancing the standards of excellence in psychiatric advanced practice nursing and optimizing delivery and access to mental health care in New Jersey.

Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses provide a full range of psychiatric services including psychiatric evaluations, psychotherapy and medication prescription and management. Members of the Society may be contacted to provide direct clinical service, public speaking or consultation.