A University of Â鶹´«Ã½ psychiatrist who helped form a statewide suicide prevention network was honored as an Outstanding Community Mental Health Leader by .
Jeanelle Sugimoto-Matsuda, assistant professor of the John A. Burns School of Medicine’s , “built thriving partnerships on each island that continue today as she leads the ,” said Mental Health America of Â鶹´«Ã½. “She exemplifies skills as a community-based researcher by working carefully and persistently to establish and maintain trusting relationships with community members and leaders, facilitating the implementation of suicide prevention programs and working closely with each site to develop suicide prevention action plans.”
Sugimoto-Matsuda was honored during Mental Health America of Â鶹´«Ã½’s 75th Anniversary Mahalo Awards Luncheon on May 16. The ceremony recognizes leaders like Sugimoto-Matsuda, advocates and companies that have dedicated themselves to promoting mental wellness and improving the care of people with mental health problems through positive and innovative programs and leadership.
—By Tina Shelton