Last month a leading organization for psychiatric physicians awarded Commissioner Sharon Meieran its highest distinction for those who have made outstanding contributions to mental healthcare throughout the state of Oregon.
The Henry J. Grass Access Award is the latest in a long list of honors for Commissioner Meieran, who has dedicated her career as an emergency room physician and a County Commissioner to championing access to mental health services.
Since 1966, the Oregon Psychiatric Physicians Association has served as Oregon’s organization for medical doctors specializing in psychiatry. The association educates the public on mental health, supports mental health professionals, and advocates for mental health at the Oregon State Legislature and on the national level.
Each year, the Board of Directors selects the award winners. Henry J. Grass, MD, the award’s namesake, is a Portland psychiatrist known for raising awareness about mental health and improving access to services. Dr. Clara Ruiz, OPPA’s president, says the association was inspired by Commissioner Meieran’s commitment to making mental health services more consumer-friendly.
“Here’s a person who’s been working to promote mental health in every aspect of her career,” Dr. Ruiz says. “Knowing the complexity of the social issues and the medical issues is so important, and she has been able to bring that experience into her work as a County Commissioner.”
Commissioner Meieran was recognized alongside Oregon Health & Science University’s Department of Psychiatry, which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, and Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare’s Project Respond, which is helping to bridge the gap between law enforcement and mental health.
As an emergency physician, Commissioner Meieran says she knows firsthand the experience of treating patients in the emergency room who are in crisis. One of her first acts as a County Commissioner was to thoroughly review all aspects of the County’s mental health system and how it’s experienced by consumers, providers and the community at large.
“I think what I bring with my background is a rigorous, data driven approach to looking at different issues, but also the front line approach of working in the system every day,” Commissioner Meieran said. “I envision a mental health system that treats people with dignity and respect, where there is no wrong door if you need help or support.”
For those who honored her with the award, she has a message of thanks and a pledge to continue her work filling gaps in the mental health system.
“I have so much appreciation for all that they do,” she said. “They are doing this work every day on so many different levels. I will continue to stand with them to work on the challenges our mental health system faces.”