Evelyn Parrish, an associate professor and the assistant dean of accreditation and strategic outcomes for the College of Nursing at the University of Kentucky, was named as the 2021 Psychiatric Nurse of the Year by the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. She will be honored at the annual conference of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association in Louisville in October. Dr. Parrish is being recognized for standout clinical leadership and for providing exceptional mental health patient service and care.
“I am unbelievably humbled and honored to receive this recognition from the APNA and I thank them for this award,” Dr. Parrish said. “I am passionate about helping others, providing quality care, and lessening the negative stigma surrounding mental health treatment. I believe that through increased access to mental health education and treatment in underserved populations, that we can help reduce the stigma and improve the overall health and wellness.”
Janie Heath, dean and Warwick Professor of Nursing at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing, said that “Dr. Parrish is not only a standout nurse; she is a standout person, and well-deserving of this award that recognizes her efforts to improve policy, expand educational opportunities and improve access to mental health treatment.”
Dr. Parrish received her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University. She earned master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Kentucky, and her post-master’s certificate as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from Rush University in Chicago.