Bryan McCormick Honored with the American Therapeutic Recreation Association’s Presidential Award

Bryan McCormick

Bryan McCormick, chair of the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies and professor at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington has been awarded the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) Presidential Award. The award was presented to Dr. McCormick during that ATRA annual conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania In October of 2013.

As part of the annual event, awards were distributed to those who have demonstrated professional success within the field and who have provided exceptional service to the organization. 

Selected for distinguished service by the ATRA president, this year’s award honored Dr. McCormick’s work in conjunction with IU School of Public Health-Bloomington alumna Dr. Gretchen Snethen. Both worked with ATRA in analyzing the results and completing a summary that was presented to the ATRA membership committee regarding the ATRA Standards of Practice Survey and Evaluation Tool.

Dr. McCormick’s research focuses on the social and community functioning of people with severe mental illnesses. Through the use of a variety of research methodologies, he examines elements such as daily physical activity, mood, and social context as well as recreation and support networks in relation to mental health. 

The vision of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association is to be the premiere professional membership association representing recreational therapists, consumers and stakeholders. It is the largest national membership organization representing the interests and needs of recreational therapists. Recreational therapists are healthcare providers who use recreational therapy interventions for improved functioning of individuals with illness or disabling conditions.