Mental Health Advocacy Coalition




		Mental illness shows no prejudice, directly touching one in every five Americans from children to older adults impacting their families, friends and neighbors. The ability to access effective mental health services can make a big difference in the lives of those affected by mental illness. Such services help build healthier, happier lives for consumers and strengthen and empower families. They can help individuals find and maintain jobs, return to school and work, and stay out of trouble, thereby helping our community become stronger.

May is Mental Health Month Voices for Ohio's Children is co-sponsoring a public forum with Special Guest Speaker First Lady Frances Strickland on Friday, May 16, 2008 from 1pm to 3pm. For more information, click here. NAMI Greater Cleveland Annual Meeting Luncheon and Awards Ceremony with Special Guest Speaker Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton will be on May 16, 2008 from 9:30 am to Noon at the Wolstein Center, Cleveland State University. For more information, contact Bridget Murphy at bmurphy@nami.org For non-member activities, click here.	The Milken Institute released a report estimating the economic impact of the seven most common chronic diseases, including mental disorders. Read the Dayton Daily News Article. Read the full report. Mental Health America released a study ranking Ohio as the ninth most depressed state. Read the MHAC Press Release. Read the Mental Health America report.	May is Mental Health Month Here is a look at some of the activities the MHAC has planned to help raise awareness of mental health and mental illness in Northeast Ohio: Tune into WMJI on Monday, May 12 at 8:10 am to listen to Judy Peters' interview with Lanigan and Malone. Look for a mental health message on the electronic display signs at Cleveland Public Power and CSU's Wolstein Center. Look for the mental health book display at the Boarders in Westlake and Cleveland Heights. Bally's Total Fitness are distributing mental health t-shirts and flyers. Local bookstores, universities and libraries are distributing mental health bookmarks. Local hospitals, universities, and government offices are displaying mental health puzzle books in their sitting areas. Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities. This program began enrollment April 1, 2008 and is designed to encourage Ohioans with disabilities to work and still keep their health coverage. For more information, read this fact sheet and booklet provided by ODJFS.	Participate in Election Activities! Click here to visit our elections page. The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections needs volunteers. Click here for more information.