Norton Honored With Presidential Citation from American Psychological Association, Second-Ever House Member to Receive Award

Press Release

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today received a Presidential Citation from the American Psychological Association (APA). Norton was awarded the Presidential Citation in recognition of her decades of human rights and congressional work, and for her sponsorship and cosponsorship of legislation that promotes human and civil rights, fair labor practices, affordable health care, and increased access to mental health care services. The announcement of the award comes a week after Norton spoke at the opening of a new Unity Health Care center in southeast D.C. that will provide substance abuse treatment and mental health care to low-income residents. In a recent letter, Norton was praised by the APA President, Nadine J. Kaslow, for cosponsoring legislation that would allow psychologists more autonomy in the practice of their profession and make them eligible for incentives that would enable simpler maintenance of electronic health records. She was only the second House member to receive the APA's Presidential Citation.

"It was a special honor to receive the Presidential Citation from the American Psychological Association," Norton said. "I appreciate being recognized not only for my work in civil rights, but also for my support of mental health services, which are a vital part of our overall health care system. The APA has been an important leader for the reforms needed to improve and expand mental health services and to fully integrate mental health services into the nation's health care system. I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the APA on this national priority."

The APA is the nation's largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology, and the world's largest association of psychologists. Their membership boasts nearly 130,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students.

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