The International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISPN) recently awarded Penn Nursing’s Bridgette M. Brawner, associate professor in the department of family and community health, its Diversity and Equity Award. The award was presented during the 23rd Annual ISPN Virtual Conference on March 24. Dr. Brawner will present the Diversity/Equity lecture at next year’s conference.

The Diversity and Equity award recognizes an ISPN member who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in providing culturally-sensitive mental health services to individuals, families, and/or groups through the development of innovative and significant contributions to teaching of, research about, and/or practice of culturally sensitive mental health care in nursing; the development of knowledge that contributed to improved understanding or strategies regarding the influences of culture on mental health; and/or the establishment of a culturally sensitive program to promote access to services for diverse individuals, families, and groups.

“I do the work that I do because it is my life’s calling,” said Dr. Brawner. “My motivation isn’t for commendation, so it is truly an honor to receive international recognition for my commitment to improve health in disenfranchised populations and communities. Humbled and overwhelmed are understatements of what it means to receive this award. I am grateful to those who nominated me, as well as to all of the people who believed in me and supported me along my journey.”