July 2008 E-News

President's Letter

Colleagues,

I hope you are enjoying your summer. This is a quieter time of year for the organization but a very busy one none-the-less. The 2007-2008 CPNP Board met for the last time June 16 and approved the operating budget for the upcoming year. We ended FY 2008 with modest financial growth despite a downturn in the economy coupled with increased investments in improving the website, logo and branding changes, and development of the BCPP review course. As we move into 2008-2009, we will continue to seek out ways to improve and expand member services all the while making fiscally responsible choices. We will also be revising our strategic plan in the fall to address our path for the next 10 years. We look forward to sharing this vision with you as well as receiving your feedback as we move through this process.

As you know, July marks the official change of Board officers. Jerry McKee will be assuming his position as Member at Large, and Vicki Ellingrod as Secretary to the Board of Directors. Carla Cobb begins her term as the 11th President of CPNP and Ann Richards as President-Elect. Both Julie Dopheide and Matthew Fuller’s terms are complete. I would like to thank Julie for her tremendous service, energy and dedication to CPNP. She has been a tremendous asset to the organization. Likewise, Matthew is completing three years of service as President-elect, President, and Past-President. With Matthew’s leadership, CPNP has achieved significant milestones (particularly in education) and is on course to make significant strides in our next 10 years.

In my last official task as your President, I would like to thank you again for the opportunity to serve the organization and work on your behalf over the past year. I am inspired by the commitment and passion of the CPNP membership and consider it a privilege to work with so many of you. I look forward to our continued growth and creative solutions to the challenges we face in improving the lives of those with mental illness.

Sincerely,

Sheila

CPNP Launches New Logo and Website
During the 2008 Annual Meeting in April CPNP debuted a new look in the form of a new logo, tagline and revamped website. CPNP’s updated logo features a modern look and colors with the neuron graphic element and the Improving Minds. Improving Lives. tagline reinforcing the mission and values of the organization.

When it comes to the website, you spoke, and we listened. Along with modernizing the look, we updated numerous features to make your browsing and searches efficient and productive.

New features include:

• Search: Improved search features encompassing the entire site, including the email list, e-news, membership directory
• Log In: Increased prominence and ease of site Log-In
• Site Organization: Reorganization of pages including a Member Only tab which puts all member protected pages under one tab
• Popular Links: Quick links to the pages you visit most frequently are found directly on the main page
• Industry News: An RSS feed from Science Daily provides daily news on the mind and brain.
• Statement of Credit Center: New transcript feature that allows you to search on all CPNP credit including narrowing search to BCPP-ACPE approved credit for recert hours
• Annual Meeting Downloads: Annual Meeting presentations (PPs and audio) are now available online for AM registrants.

If you haven't already, check out the new and improved CPNP website today!

CPNP 2008 Annual Meeting A Resounding Success
Four hundred and fifty individuals participated in the 2008 CPNP Annual Meeting held in Scottsdale, Arizona April 13-16. This represents a 16% growth in attendance. Additional meeting highlights can be found in the June newsletter but we can’t help bragging about:

• Over 22.5 hours of ACPE and CME approved educational programming featuring recognized speakers such as Dr. Nancy Andreasen, Dr. Robert Rosenheck, Dr. John Csernansky and Dr. Husseini Manji.
• A record number 121 poster displays featured in two poster sessions offering numerous networking and learning opportunities.
• Over 150 contributors to the first NAMI Walks for CPNP Run/Walk raising $2450 and, with the matching CPNP contribution, providing a $4900 donation to NAMI.
• Our own personal rodeo preceded by recognition of outgoing and incoming Presidents Sheila Botts and Carla Cobb and recognition of the 2008 Saklad Memorial Lecture Award recipient, Ann Richards.

We expect just as much success and interest next year when we visit Jacksonville, Florida for the 2009 Annual Meeting to be held April 19-22. Mark your calendars now!

Online Educational Program Available Complimentary to CPNP Members
If you did not get the chance to attend the ClaimBusters: Resolving Clinical Controversies with Atypical Antipsychotics Symposium at the 2008 CPNP Annual Meeting (Sunday, April 13), you now have the opportunity to enjoy this CE activity online. This program is offered by Creative Educational Concepts with grant support provided by Janssen.