Across the Affiliate Network

Affiliates Making a Difference

Colorado: MHA of Colorado had a record turnout for its Legislative Education Day, held February 8. More than 250 advocates and legislators filled the Temple Events Center in Denver to learn about new legislation, the proposed Community Crisis Intervention Centers and current mental health care reform issues.

MHAC also presented the Legislator of the Year award to Sen. Moe Keller (D-Wheat Ridge) and Rep. Debbie Stafford (D-Aurora), as well as the Advocate of the Year award to Kevin Thompson of North Range Behavioral Health and Frontier House in Greeley.

Connecticut: Our “first” MHA organization held its official 100th anniversary celebration on May 6. Congratulations on this incredible accomplishment!

Georgia: The Donald Keyes Mental Health Benefit was held January 25 – February 2 to raise awareness of mental health in the community and bring in the finances necessary for the MHA of Northeast Georgia to continue its work of education and advocacy in the Athens community.

Indiana: MHA in Allen County was presented with a $15,000 grant by the English, Bonter, Mitchell Foundation at the end of 2007. The grant will be used to underwrite the MHA’s Client Advocacy services.

This MHA also received a $10,000 grant from the Edward W. and Mary McCrea Wilson Foundation for public relations and publicity of mental health issues.

New Jersey: The state passed a new family leave bill on April 7 that will provide up to six weeks of paid leave for employees at companies with fewer than 50 employees.

Congratulations to Laverne Williams of the MHA in New Jersey (MHANJ), who was recently chosen as a recipient of the first New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma Ambassador Awards in the Multi-Cultural category, for her tireless work as the Director of the MHANJ Programs in Emotional Wellness and Spirituality (PEWS) Program.

New York: MHA advocates in Albany testified to the General Assembly on the need for additional funding for supported employment, which is recognized as an evidencebased best practice. In their testimony, they discussed the successful work of several MHA affiliates in creating models of Business Advisory Councils throughout the state. These councils bring together local businesses, mental health providers, recipients of mental health services, and other stakeholders and have proven successful in linking individuals to employment.

Additionally, the MHA in New York State and the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services have put together over 15 recommendations on employment opportunities for individuals with psychiatric disabilities. Many of these initiatives are low-cost and can be implemented over a short period of time. For more information, contact Lana Sullivan at lsullivan@mhanys.org or visit www.mhanys.org.

In other news, the MHA of Dutchess County held its 54th Annual Meeting Luncheon on May 9 at the Grand Hotel in Poughkeepsie. The MHA of Dutchess County was also awarded a grant from the Foundation for Community Health in Sharon, Connecticut to bring its Kids on the Block puppet program to northeast Dutchess County. The grant will support the formation of a youth puppet troupe and allow existing puppeteers to perform extensively in schools and agencies in northeast Dutchess County.

North Carolina: MHA in Randolph County co-sponsored a Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn on “The Impact of Mental Health Reform on North Carolina and the Community.” More than 250 persons attended the event; it was the largest attendance in the history of the lunches, which are held four times each year.

In addition, the Coalition Forum for North Carolina’s Governor and Lieutenant Governor candidates was an overwhelming success. The Coalition, of which the MHA in North Carolina is an active member, hosted a Candidate Forum on February 25 at the Arena Club in the RBC Center in Raleigh.

Oklahoma: MHA in Tulsa, as part of a collaborative effort that includes the Tulsa Housing Authority and the Tulsa Mayor’s Task Force to End Chronic Homelessness, is embarking on a $30 million initiative to end homelessness in Tulsa by 2012.

Tennessee: The MHA of Middle Tennessee’s 10th Annual Jammin’ to Beat the Blues Concert was held on April 27 at the historic Ryman Auditorium.

MHAT also hosted the 5th annual Runnin’ to Beat the Blues 5K and 1 mile walk/run on March 29.

Texas: MHA of Greater Houston was proud to participate in the 2008 Eating Disorder Conference, held February 21– 22. The conference drew a sizable crowd of 380 attendees.

Wisconsin: MHA in Sheboygan County celebrated its 45th anniversary this year. The MHA celebrated by hosting a premiere showing of the movie Canvas on May 15 at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan.