We are only in our 6th year of existence and already have implemented many of our goals.
PAST PROJECTS have proven that the IPS Foundation is having an impact on residents deciding to stay in Iowa and improving office practices in mental health clinics. We have given grants to NAMI Iowa and recognized psychiatrists and lay persons who are advocates of the mentally ill at our annual Business Meeting.
A RESIDENT DINNER was held for University of Iowa Psychiatry Department residents and their families to educate them about practice opportunities in Iowa and meet with IPS members. We had twenty residents and their families attend last fall - it was a great opportunity to develop mentoring relationships.
A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINIC MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP was held for mental health providers and staff across the state.. Payers from the major insurance carriers presented material on ways to improve billing and answered questions from participants and the afternoon was dedicated to workshops on topics of interest to clinic management.
NEW PROJECTS have been planned for next year in addition to holding the annual Resident Dinner and continue to hold the Clinic Management Workshop. Plans include a poster competition for residents to show off their research. The posters will be displayed at the IPS Fall Conference and prizes will be given to the resident with the outstanding poster.
Our Future Goals
As we grow our fund we plan to increase our programs and grants. In the future we will:
· Give scholarships to Members-In-Training to attend the American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting
· Disseminate information about all aspects of mental health to professional groups, businesses, libraries, doctor offices, community centers and the media.
· Sponsor programs to inform Members-In-Training about the variety of practice options and career opportunities in Iowa.
· Promote education and training of psychiatrists, mental health professionals and other health care professionals in the latest in the treatment of mental illness.
· Provide grants to mental health advocacy and support groups.
· Perpetuate the Paul E. Huston Award that recognizes outstanding psychiatrists who have made significant contributions to the care and welfare of the mentally ill in Iowa through service, administration, teaching or research.
· Recognize outstanding professional and lay persons who are advocates of the mentally ill through the Richard E. Preston Distinguished Service Award.