The Association for the Improvement of Mental Health Programmes

Founded in 2004

Introduction

The Association for the Improvement of Mental Health Programmes’ objective is to make a contribution to the improvement and promotion of mental health programmes worldwide. It aims to achieve its goals by means of consultation, by organizing talks and seminars, by initiating and coordinating studies and other theoretical and practical work, and by any other appropriate means that can improve the care of people with mental illness and their families and raise the value given to mental health by individuals and societies.

Any person in good standing can apply for membership by sending a written application for membership to the president of the Association. The members of the Association must pay subscription fees and contributions laid down by the Board. In addition, each member must devote one unpaid week per year of his/her time to the activities of the Association. Decisions about acceptance to membership are made during the Association's general assembly. The Association is administered by a Board comprised of six people, appointed in the first instance by the founding members.

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President

Norman Sartorius, M.D., Ph.D., FRCPsyc

President of the Association for the Improvement of Mental Health Programmes

During his professional career Professor Sartorius published more than 500 papers in peer reviewed journals and more than 800 technical contributions—prefaces to books, interviews and brief articles. According to the Web of Science Professor Sartorius’ articles have been cited more than 47,000 times and his h index is 110. He has also authored, coauthored or edited more than 120 books.

In recent years Professor Sartorius has focused his attention on the reduction of stigma of mental illness, on comorbidity of mental and physical disorders and on support to carers of people with mental disorders. He has been particularly interested in the education of young professionals and conducted Leadership and Professional Skills courses in some 60 countries involving more than 2000 psychiatrists early in their career.