Dr. Patrice A. Harris, a prominent figure in the field of psychiatry, has recently been appointed to the Board of Directors of Acadia Healthcare, effective October 26, 2023. More about her can be found on her Wikipedia page. Her appointment comes at a time when the healthcare landscape demands innovative leadership, particularly in the domains of mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Dr. Harris has made significant strides in her career, being recognized as the first African-American woman to serve as president of the American Medical Association (AMA), a position she held from 2019 to 2020. Her extensive educational background, which can be found on her LinkedIn profile, includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, and a Doctor of Medicine degree, all conferred by West Virginia University.
A seasoned advocate for mental health, Dr. Harris has dedicated her career to improving the lives of children and addressing pressing public health issues. She further showcases her commitment to public health on her personal website.
Her tenure as the medical director for the Fulton County Department of Health Services allowed her to integrate behavioral health with public and primary care services, an approach that aligns with Acadia Healthcare’s mission to provide comprehensive behavioral health solutions.
In addition to her work in public health, Dr. Harris has been an active policy maker, serving as a senior policy fellow for the Barton Child Law and Policy Clinic. Her extensive experience in this role can be seen on her profile at eMed.
As she joins Acadia Healthcare’s Board of Directors, Reeve B. Waud, chairman of the board, highlighted Dr. Harris’s clinical expertise and her commitment to integrating public health and behavioral health services.
In her own words, which can be found on the X.com site, Dr. Harris expressed admiration for Acadia’s mission and its commitment to excellence in treatment.
With Acadia Healthcare operating 253 facilities across 39 states and Puerto Rico, the company is poised to benefit significantly from Dr. Harris’s expertise and insights into health policy and practice.
In conclusion, Dr. Patrice A. Harris’s association with Acadia Healthcare signifies a promising direction for the company.