Qualls to be named ‘Hero of Mental Health’
Qualls, a member of the UCCS faculty since 1984, will be honored as part of the Heroes of Mental Health luncheon. Now in its fifth year, the luncheon recognizes those in Colorado Springs who champion whole-person wellness and spearhead efforts to curb stigma and advance treatment for mental illness, substance abuse, homelessness and joblessness, according to Kevin Porter, vice president of marketing and sales, AspenPointe.
“The growth of our older adult population provides many opportunities for our community as well as challenges that will require the types of collaborations and innovation that Dr. Qualls is spearheading,” Morris L. Roth, president and CEO, AspenPointe, said. “Her concern, passion and dedication to the physical and mental well-being of our seniors is unsurpassed and we are excited to be able to recognize the great things she has done and continues to do.”
When notified of the award, Qualls said: “A hero is not at all how I picture myself. We all do what we believe will help the world be a better place. I’ve been privileged to live and work in a community that is phenomenally supportive of the aging population and of the university-community partnerships that foster innovation.”
Qualls is the first UCCS faculty member to hold the Kraemer Family Professor of Aging Studies Professorship. She specializes in the psychological needs of older Americans and directs the Gerontology Center. She led efforts to establish a doctoral program in geropsychology at UCCS, one of only four such programs in the nation, and is an innovator in the care of older Americans. Qualls leads a cooperative effort with UCCS and Palisades at Broadmoor Park to explore innovations in senior housing and the care of those with cognitive disabilities.