Professor Yoon Myeong-suk of the Department of Social Welfare at Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) was recently elected as the new president of the Korean Psychosocial Rehabilitation Association.

Accordingly, Professor Yoon will serve a two-year term through 2014 and plans to lead policy development and research activities related to psychosocial rehabilitation.

The Korean Psychosocial Rehabilitation Association was founded in 1995. It is a professional organization composed of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, and social workers, that conducts research and develops services to promote mental health.

Professor Yoon said, "During my two-year term I will actively engage in the development of national policies, research, and program development related to suicide, stress, and addiction, and take the lead in promoting mental health in our country. In particular, I will strive to attract the World Psychosocial Rehabilitation Association's academic conference, scheduled to be held in 2015, to Korea."

Professor Yoon, who has been actively conducting research on mental health issues such as suicide and addiction, previously served as president of the Korean Association for Mental Health and Social Welfare and as president of the Association of Addiction Specialists. She currently serves as director of the Jeonju Alcohol Counseling Center. Last year, she received the Ministry of Health and Welfare Award in recognition of her contributions to preventing alcohol-related problems in Korea.