The Department of Psychiatry engages in both research and programmatic efforts to
advance our understanding of the ways to improve lives for adults and children with
psychiatric conditions. The departments' Clinical Research efforts have earned millions
in federal funding to explore issues surrounding substance abuse, pain perceptions
among patients with dementia, and other health issues. The Community Engagement programs
have focused on providing durable and novel systems to raise awareness for the need
for better mental health services for area youth, and to coordinate access to public
healthcare for families and children.
Community Outreach Funded Public Service Programs
- Collaboration on a $39 million Violent Crime Intervention Fund (VCIF) program with the Memphis Police Department, providing community engagement support for implementation of this intervention evaluation
project over 3 years in 9 of the highest crime zip codes in the state.
- Collaboration project with Memphis Juvenile Court on 1st ever youth reentry program in Shelby County for youth offenders returning after out-of-home
placement – funded by DOJ.
- Collaboration with Jim Bailey on Soulsville Health Hub – youth and family engagement team works with parents and students at 3 schools in
the south Memphis area offering assistance and support to meet academic challenges
and other youth and family needs
- Collaboration with David Schwartz on ENRICH: Enriching Cancer Care Access in West TN; Schwartz is also preparing to submit a PCORI application in support of expanding
the work underway to demonstrate effectiveness of the cancer support model being provided
by my team
- Funding from Annie E. Casey and TN Commission on Children and Youth (TCCY) to support
implementation of evidence-based public safety initiative in Memphis – Preventing Long-term Anger and Aggression in Youth (PLAAY) – community partners include Dwelling Place Christian Church, AHS, Families Matter/AFIRM,
MSCJC, and MSCS
- TCCY 2 grants funded to support public safety initiative and increasing supports for adolescent girls struggling with trauma and suicidal behaviors to support their social emotional needs as well as the work to increase public safety
in Memphis
- Urban Child Institute - Integrated Care for Child Wellness program (ICCW) –supports training and technical assistance in support of the community engagement
work – in the past funded training for Anesthesiology and Trauma surgery staff in
staff safety when working with gang members in the hospital; now offers general health
and mental health literacy information and training as well as training to community
members and professionals in support of the behavioral health, trauma-related and
other needs of community members
