September 10, 2024 – The American Psychological Association (APA) has honored Dr. Diana Prescott, PhD, a dedicated Maine psychologist, with the prestigious Heiser Award for her nearly three decades of advocating for rural and underserved communities.
The Heiser Award recognizes Dr. Prescott’s exceptional commitment to leadership and improving access to mental health services for these populations.
Dr. Prescott, a longtime advocate for equitable healthcare, draws on firsthand experience growing up on a farm and practicing in rural Hampden, Maine. Her deep understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities fuels her dedication to expanding access to quality mental health services.
“Growing up on a farm, I witnessed the challenges of rural life, including suicide and teen pregnancy,” Dr. Prescott said. “I vowed to tirelessly advocate for the psychological health of rural and underserved populations.”
As the Federal Advocacy Coordinator for the Maine Psychological Association (MePA), Dr. Prescott has helped shape national policies to address the needs of marginalized populations. “Diana is a born leader,” said Jeff Matranga, MePA Board President. Dr. Prescott also served on the APA Board of Directors and chaired the APA Committee on Rural Health, further demonstrating her extensive expertise.
Dr. Prescott’s advocacy has also earned her international recognition. She has presented on rural integrated care at major conferences worldwide, addressing professional audiences in Slovenia, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Canada. Her efforts have played a crucial role in raising awareness of rural health issues and promoting equity in mental health services.
“The Heiser Award honors Dr. Prescott’s lifelong dedication to improving mental health care for rural populations,” Matranga added. In addition to this award, Dr. Prescott has received numerous accolades, including the APA Practice Organization’s Federal Advocacy Award and a 2023 APA Presidential Citation for her contributions to psychology.
“I am deeply grateful to Dr. Mayra Zoe Ortiz and APA’s Division 31 for recognizing my work championing legislation to meet the needs of rural people,” Prescott said, adding, “It is such an honor to join my esteemed colleagues who have received the Karl F. Heiser APA Presidential Award.”
Dr. Prescott earned her BA in Psychology and Spanish from Butler University and her MA and PhD in Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, specializing in rural community psychology. She has held many leadership roles at both APA and MePA, garnering several awards, including the 2023 APA Presidential Citation and the APA Practice Organization’s Federal Advocacy Award.
About the Heiser Award
The Heiser Award is presented annually to individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and advocacy in psychology. It honors those who contribute significantly to advancing the profession and improving mental health care, particularly for underserved populations. Recipients are acknowledged for their dedication and impact at both national and international levels.
About the Maine Psychological Association
The Maine Psychological Association’s mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting human welfare. The organization’s membership consists of psychologists, academicians, researchers, students, and other professionals committed to the practice of psychology. MePA helps consumers identify psychologists around the state for referral and provides a searchable online database at no charge. For more information about MePA and its mission, please visit mepa.org.
