The past few weeks have brought PSI new opportunities and recognition for the important issues we all so consistently champion for the women and families we serve. Highlights include:
The PSI board’s decision to award the first ever Melanie Blocker Stokes Leadership Award to Congressman Bobby Rush. As we anticipate passage of this legislation, we want to honor both the long term advocacy of Congressman Rush and the memory of Melanie Blocker Stokes. Carol Blocker, Melanie’s mother, has expressed her appreciation for the establishment of this award. A representative from our partner, CBS Cares will be present to participate in this event. You are all invited and encouraged to attend this historic moment in our issue’s history. Event details will be available soon.
PSI’s designation as this years’ recipient of the prestigious Connie Woodruff Award, granted by the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and selected by The New Jersey Advisory Commission on the Status of Women. The award recognizes PSI as an “outstanding New Jersey Community organization which has developed policies, services and programs that benefit women in New Jersey”. The award will be presented at a luncheon on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 and will be given by NJ Health Commissioner Susan Bass Levin. New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine is also expected to attend.
PSI’s growing prominence as an expert reference for multiple media outlets and professional organizations when researching information on perinatal mood disorders. While PSI’s leadership and members have always been noted as the field experts on related issues, our partnership with CBS Cares has significantly elevated our national visibility and momentum. This means PSI has had more public/consumer opportunities to direct content, give input, and correct misperceptions about pregnancy related mood disorders, thereby reducing stigma, encouraging treatment and inspiring hope.
PSI’s annual conference Supporting Families: Fostering Perinatal Emotional Health and Reducing Vulnerability to be held in Kansas City in June continues to attract international notice and renown presenters, all of whom volunteer their time and travel to participate in this vital annual seminar. This year, we had a waiting list for registration. Look for online registration in the next few days.
Stay well,
Susan