The American Psychiatric Association conferred the highest award it gives a public servant, the Jacob K. Javits Public Service Award, to Washington State Senator Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond) at an event jointly hosted by the Washington State Psychiatric Society, the Washington State Medical Association and NAMI Washington. Sen. Dhingra is being honored for her tireless dedication to ensuring patients, families, and communities have access to the best possible mental health care from well-trained, high-quality providers.

“Psychiatrists simply cannot be as effective as they are without the tireless work of mental health champions like Sen. Dhingra,” said Thomas Soeprono, MD, president of the Washington State Psychiatric Association. “She has strengthened community transitions, eased integration with the Involuntary Treatment Act, and established a statewide Office for Behavioral Health Ombuds, all huge accomplishments that empower our work to reach the vulnerable mentally ill.” Read more