FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Award Honors Legacy of Dr. Michael J. Sernyak by Recognizing Champions of Holistic Mental Health Care

Hartford, CT – June 6, 2025 – The Connecticut Psychiatric Society is proud to announce the launch of the Michael J. Sernyak Award for Advancing Well-Being in People with Serious Mental Illness, a new annual honor celebrating individuals who exemplify holistic care for those living with serious mental illness (SMI).

The award commemorates the life and legacy of Dr. Michael J. Sernyak, a dedicated husband, father, physician, and visionary leader in psychiatry. As CEO of the Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC) and Professor of Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Sernyak was known not only for his clinical and academic contributions but also for his deep commitment to the overall well-being of individuals with SMI. Long before it became widely recognized, Dr. Sernyak championed the connection between physical and mental health—advocating for accessible bike lanes in New Haven and founding the CMHC Farmers Market to support healthier lifestyles in his community.

To honor his trailblazing work, the Michael J. Sernyak Award will be given each year to a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, policymaker, business leader, or citizen who shares Dr. Sernyak’s vision of treating the whole person. Recipients will be recognized for their efforts to promote physical and mental wellness among individuals with SMI, demonstrating the profound difference that one person’s commitment can make in the lives of many.

This award was created in collaboration with Dr. Ismene Petrakis and Alexander and Zoe Sernyak, and is generously sponsored by the Armah Family Donor Advised Fund.