|
MUSC's Institute of
Psychiatry (IOP) was named Hospital of the
Year by the National Alliance on Mental
Health (NAMI) South Carolina chapter. In
addition, Elliott Levy, M.D., associate
clinical professor in the Department of
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, was
named Mental Health Professional of the
Year and Mary Ann Gallagher was named
Volunteer of the Year. Awards were
presented at the annual mental health
conference Sept. 28.
IOP was selected based on advancements in
brain stimulation treatment, recognition
as a comprehensive depression center by
the National Network of Depression Centers
and its active role in public health and
advocacy for persons with mental illness.
The hospital was also recognized in 2005,
2006 and 2008.
 The Institute of
Psychiatry received Hospital of the Year
from the National Alliance on Mental
Health South Carolina Chapter Sept. 28.
Levy, in addition to his position with the
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral
Sciences, serves as the medical director
of the Charleston Dorchester Mental Health
Center and associate director for
residency training and mental health
section chief at the Veterans
Administration Medical Center. He is
active in patient and family education
events, speaking on the stages of
depression, medications and prognosis for
the future.
Gallagher, a retired teacher, spends her
time volunteering twice a week at the
Seasons program in the Department of
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
Seasons is a group-based day treatment
program for adults 40 years old and older.
She also facilitates the NAMI Connections
Support group in Summerville, is part of
the Parents and Teachers as Allies program
and is a Provider Education presenter. In
addition, she serves on the Institute of
Psychiatry Patient Family Partnership
Council.
NAMI also recognized Jim Mueller, another
person from Charleston as the Solid Gold
Member of the Year, the individual
recognized for long-term commitment to
NAMI South Carolina. He recently renewed
his family NAMI membership for the 35th
year. He and his wife Jessie, along with
four other families, formed a support
group in the 1960s that became NAMI
Charleston Area. In June, he accepted the
treasurer position for the Charleston
Dorchester Mental Health board. He has
been an advocate for mentally ill
individuals and is still attending family
support meetings and educational meetings
at
the age of 90.
Friday, Oct.
5, 2012
|
