[Archived] 'Hero of Medicine' Presents Personal and Professional Perspectives on Depression

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2008

A Mental Health Month Event: An Evening with Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison 
"Hero of Medicine" Presents Personal and Professional Perspectives on Depression

Clinical Psychologist Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, is one of the foremost authorities on manic-depressive illness—and she has experienced its exhilarating highs and catastrophic depressions first hand. With this unique dual perspective, Jamison will speak from the point of view of both a “healer” and one who is “healed.” This community event will take place on Thursday, May 29, at 6:45 p.m. at Minnie Howard School, 3801 W. Braddock Rd.  There is no charge to attend, and free parking is available.

Jamison has been named one of the “Best Doctors in the United States” and was chosen by Time magazine as a “Hero of Medicine.”  She has received the National Mental Health Association’s William Styron Award, the American Suicide Foundation Research Award and the Community Mental Health Research Award.

Dr. Jamison is the author of Manic Depressive Illness (with Frederick K. Goodwin); An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness; Touched with Fire: Manic Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament; Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide; and Exuberance: A Passion for Life. A book sale and book signing will follow the presentation. 

This evening with Dr. Jamison is held in recognition of National Mental Health Month as part of the Partnership for A Healthier Alexandria’s HOPE Campaign to fight the stigma of accessing mental health services. Other sponsors include Alexandria Community Services Board, Friends of the Alexandria Mental Health Center, CrisisLink and NAMI of Northern Virginia.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or an alternative format, including interpretation services, please contact LaTanya Wooten at 703.838.4455.  Health care providers will receive 1.5 Continuing Education Units. 

For additional information, call Jennifer Cohen Cordero at 703.838.4455, ext. 161 or e-mail jennifer.cohen-cordero@alexandriava.gov. 

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