The Community and State Hospitals Section of Division 18 is pleased to announce the awardees for our first annual Outstanding Service Awards, Drs. Brittany Penson and Talee Vang. These awards go to psychologists who have made a significant impact in a community or state hospital setting. Here is some brief information about our awardees:
Dr. Brittany Penson has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment as an early career psychologist at Georgia Regional Hospital Atlanta (GRHA), where she is an adjunct professor at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Penson has played a pivotal role in integrating diversity and individual differences into hospital practices and intern training, and she was noted to be a fierce advocate for her patients’ individual needs.
Dr. Talee Vang leads the Hennepin Healthcare’s Healthy Equity Program and is the Co-Chair of Minnesota’s Culturally Informed and Culturally Responsive Mental Health Task Force. Her extensive accomplishments include designing a multiyear educational framework to address crucial issues like anti-racism, LGBTQIA+ care, and socioeconomic disparities. Her programs are described as “catalysts for systemic change, fostering a healthcare environment that prioritizes safety, quality, and equity, integral to overall operational improvement.”
Both will receive a monetary award and a certificate in recognition of their excellence. Please join us in congratulating them on this achievement!
