Sidney Hankerson, MD, MBA, has received a Distinguished Service Award from the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Dr. Hankerson was presented with this award at the 2024 Annual Meeting for the APA during the awards convocation.

Established in 1964, this award honors individuals and organizations that have contributed exceptional service to the field of American psychiatry. He received the award for his focus on reducing racial and ethnic disparities in mental health treatment, particularly in working with faith- and community-based organizations. At the 2024 Annual Meeting, Dr. Hankerson chaired a session that focused on combatting suicide and John Henryism —a term for the health costs of overcoming economic hardships and racial discrimination—in African American men and boys.

In addition to his role as Vice Chair of Community Engagement for the Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Hankerson serves as the Medical Director for the Hope Center, which provides mental health services to the Harlem community.