History
For nearly 80 years, Mental Health America of Wisconsin has been a vital force within Milwaukee County by promoting mental health and responding to the needs of people with a mental illness and their families. Today, our mission remains to promote mental health, prevent mental illness disorders and achieve victory over mental illness through advocacy, education, information and service.
Innovative programs have been the benchmark of Mental Health America's (MHA) success. In order to meet the ever-changing needs of the community, MHA is continually re-evaluating its programs while continuing to address the organization's mission.
The story of our symbol- The Bell
Past and present programs include:
Past and present programs include:
More Than 76 Years of Caring...
1930's
The MHA reported that hospitals at Mendota and Winnebago were overcrowded and understaffed. It described county asylums as little more than custodial institutions. These concerns led to efforts to reorganize hospital services and improve admitting procedures.
1940's
The MHA responded to war-related stresses in both the civilian and military populations. It applauded steps such as the creation of a National Mental Health Institute.
1950's
The MHA helped parents learn how to nurture their young children. It introduced the idea of establishing halfway houses for persons recovering from mental disorders.
1960's
The MHA developed halfway houses to ease the transition from the hospital to the community. The Mental Health Foundation was established for the study of mental illness and promotion of mental health.
1970's
The MHA recruited volunteers to staff phone lines for psychiatric emergencies, organized a group of patients of troubled children, and trained bartenders to provide basic counseling services.
1980's
The MHA hosted a hearing on the mental health needs of ethnic and racial minorities, monitored public policy issues such as treatment of persons with mental illnesses in the criminal justice system, created more support groups, and addressed problems including homelessness and teen suicide.
1990's
In cooperation with a number of community agencies, the MHA founded the Grand Avenue Club, which provides programs for people recovering from serious mental illness. The MHA purchased a building to house the club and raised $1.1 million to pay for it. The MHA also stepped up its efforts to meet mental health needs in the workplace, to work for violence prevention in the community, and to push for insurance coverage parity for mental diseases. The MHA's Office of Public Policy was opened in Madison to expand advocacy efforts on a statewide level.
2000's
The MHA responded to mental health issues arising from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It produced materials related to post traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety for both the civilian and military populations. It developed the Invisible Children's Program, a program for parents with chronic mental illness, and continues to further develop its Prevention/Early Intervention Initiative by focusing on suicide prevention among youth, mental health screenings, treatment in primary care settings, and mental health and child welfare.
To learn more about the MHA, click here.
