University of Virginia Library

Psychologist To Speak
On Aiding Mental Patients

A.W. Jeffreys, Chief Psychologist at
Western State Hospital, will speak on the
nature of mental illness Monday afternoon
at 2:00 in the conference room of
Madison Hall. This meeting is open to the
public in an attempt to inspire greater
participation in the Volunteer Community
Service programs currently operating
at Western State Hospital and Davis Ward.

In addition to being Chief Psychologist,
Mr. Jeffreys is Director of the
Addiction Treatment Unit for Male
Alcoholics and Drug Addicts. He also teaches in
the training programs for Student Nurses,
Licensed Practical Nurses, Psychiatric Aides and
Volunteer Service Workers.

Mr. Jeffreys, a native of South ill, Virginia,
attended Hampden-Sydney College and obtained
his Bachelor of Arts degree from the
University and his Master of Arts Degree from
Michigan State University. He acquired his
Doctorate from the University of Houston.

He interned at the Veteran's Hospital at
Battle Creek, Michigan. He taught at the
University of Texas, Medical Branch and at the
Richmond Professional Institute before coming
to Western State Hospital as Chief Psychologist
in 1954.

Mr. Jeffreys will direct his remarks toward
the role of the non-professional volunteer in
alleviating the problem of mental illness.
Following his speech, he will conduct a discussion
session wherein members of the audience may
present questions.

It is hoped that response to this event will
be greater than past efforts to recruit
community volunteers for these programs. This
meeting has been arranged to clarify the
volunteer's potential in the effort to combat
mental illness.

Volunteer Community Service, a program of
Madison Hall, has been sponsoring groups of
volunteers to visit Western State Hospital and

Davis Ward to get the patients involved in
various activities. The program's sponsors stress
that one need not be particularly gifted to be of
service - outlook is more important. Conversation
with an interested outsider means a great
deal to these patients. Friendly visitors are a
warm welcome to what tends to be an
otherwise monotonous existence. These gestures
can arouse interest in a patient who might
otherwise remain stagnant.

Mr. Jeffreys comments will be programmed
to help define the role of the volunteer worker
in order that he (or she) may better understand
his capabilities. His remarks will also serve to
reassure those persons who are uneasy about
working in a psychiatric hospital. All interested
are invited by Madison Hall to attend Monday's
discussion, Members of the community are also
encouraged to Join the programs at Western
State Hospital and Davis Ward. For further
information call 924-3193 or 295-3932.