THE DISTRICT BRANCH OF THE APA : ITS ORIGIN, PRESENT STATUS, AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

This paper has represented an attempt to summarize the facts pertinent to the development and present status of the District Branch movement that is now progressing within the American Psychiatric Association. Some reflections concerning and suggestions about organization for the effective meeting of local and statewide needs for psychiatry have been offered. The related matter of adjustments between the District Branch and the Affiliated Society has also been discussed and the need for continued liaison with our medical brethren emphasized. It is this writer's earnest hope that he may have stimulated thinking on these matters in some small degree; that constructive and fruitful discussion may follow; that out of collective wisdom flowing from the democratic process, the American Psychiatric Association may continue to maintain an organizational structure that will permit the perpetuation of her status, not only as the oldest Medical Association of National size in North America, but also as the recognized leader in the fight against mental illness as well.