Skyland Trail Wins National Achievement Award

American Psychiatric Association Recognizes Innovative Programs

 

 

ATLANTA, October 7, 2004 – The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has awarded Skyland Trail the 2004 Gold Achievement Award in recognition for excellence and innovation in psychiatric treatment and success in attracting community involvement and funding for its services.  The award and a $10,000 grant from Pfizer Inc. were recently presented to Skyland Trail at the APA’s 56th Institute on Psychiatric Services in Atlanta.

 

Skyland Trail was selected as the top organization nationally out of 88 nominees. The Achievement Awards, initiated in 1949, recognize innovative programs that deliver services to the mentally ill and serve as role models for other programs nationally.  Skyland Trail won the Gold Award in the category of community-based programs.

 

“We’re honored to be recognized as a national leader in quality mental healthcare,” said Elizabeth E. Finnerty, Executive Director, Skyland Trail.  “We’re very proud to share this recognition with our donors, physicians, staff, volunteers and families who help make Skyland Trail an extraordinary facility.”

 

“Skyland Trail exceeds all expectations and certainly deserves its leading status,” said Charles B. Nemeroff, MD, PhD, Reunette W. Harris Professor and Chairman, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta.  “We’re very fortunate that a nationally-recognized facility offering such outstanding quality and innovative services is available to the southeast region.”      

 

“A record number of applicants were reviewed for this high-profile recognition,” said Cheryl S. Al-Mateen, M.D. and Chair of APA’s 2004 Achievement Awards Committee.  “We look forward to learning more about Skyland Trail’s innovative approach to share as a national model for mental health care.” 

 

About Skyland Trail

Established in 1989 in Atlanta, Skyland Trail is a private, non-profit, community-based program for adults with mental illness providing high-quality treatment services to help clients become independent and reintegrate into community life. The Skyland Trail program encompasses three freestanding facilities: the day treatment Health and Education Center, and two residential facilities, Skyland Trail South and Skyland Trail North.  Skyland Trail has served more than 1,100 clients in its 15 year history. Since 1999, Skyland Trail has experienced a142 percent increase in number of clients served and growth in 2004 has continued with a projected increase of 36%. Skyland Trail maintains a longstanding relationship with the Emory University School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences. 

 

About the American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is a medical specialty society recognized worldwide.  Its over 35,000 U.S. and international member physicians work together to ensure humane care and effective treatment for all persons with mental disorder, including mental retardation and substance-related disorders.  It is the voice and conscience of modern psychiatry.  Its vision is a society that has available, accessible quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.  

For more information, contact:

Beth Finnerty

Executive Director

Skyland Trail

1903 North Druid Hills Road

Atlanta, GA  30319

404-315-8333

bfinnert@skylandtrail.org

 

To view the APA Gold Article,

 please click here