Stanley F. Yolles was an American psychiatrist best known for his work at the National Institute of Mental Health and advocating for drug law reform. He was influential in shaping the approach to mental health and addiction treatment in the United States.
Personal and Family Life
Stanley F. Yolles was born on April 19, 1919, in New York City to Rose Fausst and Louis Yolles. He married Tamarath Knigin in 1942 while they were both involved in malaria research in British Guiana. Together, they had two daughters and often balanced their professional commitments with family life.
Career Highlights
Yolles attended several prestigious institutions, including Brooklyn College and New York University, where he earned his medical degree in 1951. He initially focused on parasitic disease research but eventually dedicated himself to medicine and psychiatry. His experiences with drug addicts led him to advocate for treating addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal one. As director of the National Institute of Mental Health from 1964 to 1970, he worked to improve mental health treatment and increase the number of community health centers across the nation.
Death and Legacy
Stanley F. Yolles passed away on January 12, 2001, in Brookhaven, New York, due to emphysema. His legacy includes significant contributions to mental health advocacy and policies promoting humane treatment for drug addiction. His efforts have had a lasting impact on the field of psychiatry and public health.
Filmography
| Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bold New Approach | Consultant | 1966 |