Altha Stewart facts for kids

Altha Jeanne Stewart is a very important American psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a doctor who helps people with their mental health. In 2015, Dr. Stewart started a special center at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. This center helps young people who have been involved with the justice system. Later, she made history by becoming the first African American president of the American Psychiatric Association. This is a big group for psychiatrists in America.

Her Early Life and Learning

Altha Stewart grew up in South Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee. Her mother was a librarian, and her father worked for the government. She went to Carver High School and Sacred Heart High School for Girls.

After high school, she was one of the first women to attend Christian Brothers University. She earned a degree in biology there in 1973. Then, she went to Temple University School of Medicine to become a doctor. She also completed her training in psychiatry there. Later, Christian Brothers University honored her in their Hall of Fame. She also received an honorary degree from Regis College.

Helping Young People and Communities

After finishing her medical training, Dr. Stewart worked in public health. From 1983 to 1991, she was the medical director for Philadelphia's Department of Public Health. She also led the Detroit-Wayne Community Mental Health Agency from 1999 to 2002.

When she moved back to Memphis, Dr. Stewart managed a special project. This project helped children with mental health challenges. It also aimed to keep them from getting into the juvenile justice system. By 2011, she became the executive director of the Just Care Family Network. In this role, she worked hard to support young people and their families.

Dr. Stewart later joined the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC). There, she created and led the Center for Health in Justice Involved Youth. She also directed a big project called Defending Childhood Shelby. Because of her great work, she received the 2017 James G. Hughes Community Advocate Award. She was also honored as a "Memphis Legend."

A Leader in Mental Health

Beyond her work at UTHSC, Dr. Stewart is very active with the American Psychiatric Association (APA). This is a major organization for psychiatrists. She served on their Board of Trustees and other important committees.

In 2018, Dr. Stewart made history. She was chosen to be the first African American president of the APA. She served in this important role for one year. After her term, she became a senior associate dean at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. This role focuses on community health.

In 2021, Dr. Stewart joined the Jed Foundation Advisory Board. This group advises on mental health and suicide prevention strategies. She also joined the University of Tennessee College of Social Work's Board of Visitors. That same year, the APA gave her the Solomon Carter Fuller Award. This award recognizes Black citizens who have greatly improved life for Black people.