Historic AMA President Dr. Patrice Harris Joins Acadia Healthcare Board of Directors
Dr. Patrice A. Harris, a prominent figure in the field of psychiatry and public health, has been recently appointed to the Board of Directors at Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. This announcement, effective October 26, 2023, underscores her extensive experience and commitment to improving mental health services across the United States.
A psychiatrist based in Atlanta, Dr. Harris has had a distinguished career spanning over 25 years, marked by numerous leadership roles in organized medicine. She gained national recognition when she became the first African American woman to serve as the 174th President of the American Medical Association (AMA) from 2019 to 2020 Wikipedia. Her tenure at the AMA included leadership roles such as Chair of the Opioid Task Force, a position that highlights her dedication to addressing critical issues within public health, including the opioid epidemic and mental health disparities.
Dr. Harris’s educational background is equally impressive. She earned her medical degree from West Virginia University, where she also obtained a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology. Her training continued with a psychiatry residency and fellowships in child psychiatry and forensic psychiatry at Emory University, arming her with the knowledge and skills that would shape her advocacy for children and families LinkedIn.
Throughout her career, Dr. Harris has championed the integration of public health, behavioral health, and primary care services. As the former Director of Health Services for Fulton County, she oversaw a wide array of health-related programs, emphasizing the need for cohesive healthcare delivery systems. Her work has made a significant impact on the communities she has served, particularly in addressing the needs of abused and neglected children through public policy initiatives.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harris is actively involved in academia. She holds adjunct professor positions at both Emory University and Morehouse School of Medicine eMed, where she educates the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her commitment to teaching and mentorship further illustrates her dedication to fostering future leaders in mental health and public health.
Dr. Harris’s role at Acadia Healthcare aligns perfectly with the company’s mission to provide quality behavioral healthcare services News. As a leading provider in this sector, Acadia operates a vast network of facilities dedicated to mental health and substance abuse treatment. Her clinical expertise is expected to enhance the company’s efforts in delivering integrated care solutions and expanding its reach to underserved communities.
Colleagues and industry leaders have expressed their support for Dr. Harris’s appointment. Reeve B. Waud, Chairman of the Board at Acadia, noted her respected reputation in healthcare policy and her deep understanding of mental health challenges. Chris Hunter, Acadia’s CEO, echoed this sentiment, highlighting her expertise as a valuable asset to the company’s ongoing growth and commitment to excellence.
In her own words, Dr. Harris has expressed excitement about her new role, emphasizing the critical importance of quality care in mental health and addiction treatment. As she steps into this new chapter, her leadership is poised to make a meaningful impact on the behavioral healthcare landscape, ensuring that the needs of patients and communities remain a priority.
As mental health continues to gain attention in public discourse, the contributions of leaders like Dr. Patrice A. Harris are essential in shaping a more effective and compassionate healthcare system. Her journey reflects a dedication not only to the practice of medicine but also to the broader mission of improving health outcomes for all individuals, particularly those vulnerable populations that require our utmost attention and care.