Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association Embraces Deeds’ Leadership in Combating Stigma and Promoting Mental Health Reform

(McLean, VA, April 9, 2014) – The Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (PRA) is pleased to announce Senator Creigh Deeds will lead a keynote session at the upcoming Recovery Workforce Summit: 2014 PRA Annual Conference, June 22-25, 2014, in Baltimore, Maryland. At the Summit, Senator Deeds will speak to the psychiatric rehabilitation community about mental health reform. Senator Deeds began work on mental health after his son, who had a serious mental illness, died last year after being denied inpatient treatment. Senator Deeds is currently pushing the Virginia state legislature for mental health care reform.

"Senator Deeds has converted family tragedy into a broader call for awareness and action, and in doing so has become a true national leader in combating stigma," said Lisa Razzano, PhD, CPRP, PRA Chair. "PRA is deeply honored to feature Senator Deeds and help promote his calls for reforms that will fuel the growth of the recovery workforce."

The Recovery Workforce Summit: 2014 PRA Annual Conference, June 22-25 at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland is the key training, education, and networking event for the entire psychiatric rehabilitation workforce; including agency executives, educators and researchers, practitioners, and peer support providers. Six concurrent tracks for all from aspiring practitioner to CEO, together with keynote sessions and special activities, will deliver skills-based training (eligible for continuing education credit), knowledge exchange, and interactive peer networking. The Summit has a specific focus on best practices, evidence-based practice, integrated healthcare, wellness, and other critical areas which expand and improve the practice of psychiatric rehabilitation. At the Summit, attendees can attend over 40 sessions, to earn over 17 hours of continuing education contact hours.