MHA Advocacy
People experiencing mental health crises often face several barriers that prevent them from seeking treatment, including stigma, high treatment costs and poor insurance coverage.
We are an advocate for affordable, accessible mental health care for everyone. How do we do it?
- By providing Outreach and Education programs, including anti-stigma campaigns and outreach efforts targeted to specific groups including minorities, military personnel and older adults.
- By providing Technical Assistance to grassroots movements who are driven in their mission to act as advocates but because of their size do not have the resources to act without some outside assistance.
- By honoring our champions in Onondaga County through the annual Community Service Awards, which recognize outstanding community advocates with the Volunteer of the Year, Individual Advocate of the Year, Mental Health Professional of the Year, Youth Community Service and Dr. Jerome Wayne awards.
Other Endeavors
MHA staff, members and volunteers actively participate in area advisory and planning bodies that address the community's mental health needs. Goals are to:
- Combat the stigma of mental health issues.
- Insure that a wide range of mental health services are available in our county.
- Insure that the rights of individuals receiving mental health services are respected.
- Alleviate discrimination against consumers of mental health services who seek to meet their basic needs, including housing, employment, education and participation in the community.
You Can Advocate, Too!
Your voice adds to our collective strength! The MHA is always looking for individuals to volunteer on our board, in Community Companions, and a variety of other outreach activities. Please join us!