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.

Member Activities: As the Cuyahoga County Reform process moves forward, the Health and Human Services Work Group would like your input. The Work Group will be hosting meetings across the County. Please click here for the meeting schedule. Don't know what district you live in? Check out the district map here. ____________________________ Click here to see information on NAMI Greater Cleveland's Parent Education Programs on June 17th and August 2nd. ____________________________ Click here to see non-member activities.	Experts in psychiatric pharmaceuticals are now available to answer questions from primary care physicians Monday through Friday from 8 am - 5 pm at 1-800-216-3125. _____________________________ Glenn Close, the Child Adolescent Bipolar Foundation, Fountain House, and Garen and Shari Staglin of the International Mental Health Research Organization have created a nonprofit organization called bringchange2mind.org . _____________________________ The Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) recently released a policy brief on mental health. HPIO examined data from the 2008 Ohio Family Health Survey (OFHS) to profile the approximately 600,000 Ohioans who reported 14 or more mentally unhealthy days in the past 30 days as of when they were surveyed. It includes so...me interesting facts on poverty, insurance and employment status of individuals experiencing mentally unhealthy days. Click here to read the brief.	REACHOUT.com is an information and support service using evidence based principles and technology to help teens and young adults facing tough times and struggling with mental health, substance abuse and other issues. All content is written by teens and young adults, for teens and young adults, to meet them where they are, and help them recognize their own strengths and use those strengths to overcome their difficulties and/or seek help if necessary _____________________________ The MHAC and the Center for Community Solutions with support from Kaiser Family Foundation, NAMI, and Mental Health American developed a summary of provisions in healthcare reform that could impact individuals with mental illness. Please download the summary here. ______________________________ NAMI has launched StrengthofUs.org a new online community where young adults living with mental health concerns can provide mutual support in navigating unique challenges and opportunities during the critical transition years from ages 18 - 25. ______________________________ Ohio has launched a new website to support children and youth with mental and emotional challenges and their families to embrace resiliency. Check out ResiliencyOhio.org ______________________________ Did you miss the WVIZ, Cleveland PBS station, coverage examining depression? You can still view and listen to the segments by visiting health.ideastreatm.org or by clicking here. ____________________________ The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati has launched a website to address Ohioans concerns on federal healthcare reform. Check it out to find the truth about myths and how reform may impact your health coverage.	Thank you to everyone who supported Issue 15! _____________________________ The EMMA Council and RSC Administrator invite you to review the draft Plan, “Balancing and Beyond: A Vision for Community Services and Supports for Individuals with Disabilities”- formerly “The Ohio Access Plan”. This Plan responds to the Olmestead decision by demonstrating that Ohio is committed to providing the most appropriate choice in terms of long-term services and supports. Moreover, the Plan also highlights Ohio's various services and supports across the lifespan, including education, housing and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Provide feedback through a Survey Monkey that can be accessed here. ____________________________ Participate in Advocacy activities, visit the MHAC advocacy website. ____________________________ To learn more about upcoming elections and how to register to vote, visit the MHAC's elections website.