WHO WE ARE

Mid-Hudson Psychiatric Society is a District Branch of the American Psychiatric Association also being a District Branch of the New York State Psychiatric Association.

The Mid-Hudson Psychiatric Society originated in February 1933, named the Dutchess County Psychiatric Society, completed its seventy-fifth year as a viable organization with the closing of the year 2008.

The organizations name was legally changed July 12, 1996 when the District Branch incorporated and was classified as a 501c(6) not for profit tax exempt organization pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, a Type A Corporation as defined in Section 201 for non-profit corporations.

Such corporations are formed exclusively to advance the practice and profession of psychiatry, promote public awareness and understanding of the needs of the mentally disabled. Cooperate with allied mental health organizations, encourage research in the field of mental health functioning as a District Branch of the American Psychiatric Association encompassing the Counties of Dutchess, Putnam, Ulster and Greene in the State of New York.

As of December 31, 2008 the Society has ninety members, ten Distinguished Life Fellows, one Life Fellow, ten Life Fellows, three Fellows, sixty-one General Members and five Inactive Members. The number of life members clearly reflects the number of years the District Branch has been a viable organization.

In 1980 the Executive Council of the District Branch established the position of and appointed an Executive Director to work with the council in all matters of the District Branch. An official office was established giving the organization an address and a place to secure the files and conduct the business of the District Branch. Through the Executive Director the District Branch is readily available to the members, the American Psychiatric Association, the New York State Psychiatric Association, the public and other organizations.

Through the efforts of Kevin Smith, M.D., in 1998 the communication system and business activity of the District Branch was computerized.

The District Branch Newsletter Editor, Sushil Chandra, M.D., publishes informative Newsletters and has established this Web Site furthering communications to the members and the public concerning the activities of the District Branch.