Julie Clark Joins Mental Health America As Vice President Of Healthcare Reform

Main Category: Mental Health
Article Date: 08 Jul 2008 - 13:00 PDT

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Mental Health America announced that Julie Clark, an experienced public policy advocate and attorney, is joining the organization as its new Vice President of Healthcare Reform.

Clark will lead Mental Health America's Healthcare Reform Department, which develops state initiatives and advocacy efforts to influence policies in the health, mental health and substance abuse areas.

"Julie will be an outstanding addition to our team," said David Shern, Ph.D., president and CEO of Mental Health America. "Her leadership and extensive background in mental health and disability issues and knowledge of both federal and state healthcare policy will be invaluable in our advocacy and policy efforts."

Clark brings more than 30 years of experience in implementing, advocating, and shaping public policy in the mental health, disability, employment, and aging fields.

She comes to Mental Health America from the Office of Disability Employment Policy at the U.S. Department of Labor. She previously founded a public policy research firm, ConnectABILITY, and held positions at the National Council on Independent Living and the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law.

Clark was the recipient of the Secretary of Labor's Exceptional Achievement Award in 2006 and was awarded the Mental Health Community Achievement Award in 1996 from the Washington Psychiatric Society. In 1995, she was selected by the President as one of 15 "Distinguished Americans" to participate in the 5th Anniversary celebration and discussion of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Mental Health America is the country's leading nonprofit dedicated to helping all people live mentally healthier lives. With our more than 320 affiliates nationwide, we represent a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation - everyday and in times of crisis.

Mental Health America