[Spring 1997 Vol. 24 No.1]
Stuart B. Silver MD, Director of Maryland’s Mental Hygiene Administration, has received the 1997 Distinguished Service Award from the Mental Health Association of Maryland (MHAM). Betty Humphrey, RN, Dr PA, President of MHAM, presented the Award to Dr Silver at the Association’s Annual Legislative Dinner in Annapolis February 12. The Mental Health Association honored Dr Silver for his leadership of Maryland’s public mental health system, and his commitment to the continued expansion of community services for people with severe and persistent mental illness. In addition, Dr Silver has fostered consumer and family involvement in public mental health services.
Dr Silver was Superintendent of Clifton T. Perkins Hospital 1979-88, Clinical Director there 1976-79, and had started his career there in 1973 as a consultant and staff psychiatrist after completing his training in psychiatry at Johns Hopkins, followed by a forensic psychiatry fellowship at University of Maryland. He will be retiring as Director of the Mental Hygiene Administration this summer.
The Silver Wing at Perkins Hospital, dedicated July 21, 1995, includes a new admission unit and a new residential unit, in addition to gymnasium, library, chapel, visiting area and conference center.
Dr Silver's other activities include founding the association of State Mental Health Forensic Directors, of which he was President in 1985. He is now President of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors. He is a Fellow of the APA and the MPS.