Our cranes flew all over the world this year! We humbly thank each donor who gave to our holiday campaign. We continue to move the needle towards our goal of $75K. We are honored to have local artist and MHA supporter Richard Biemann as our highlighted artist. Thank you to each volunteer who folded our paper cranes. It takes a village!

Dear MHA Family,

The year 2020 was the most challenging time for our agency. The mental health effects of COVID 19 have proven to be just as essential as the physical effects. Since 1963, we have never faced such a profound shift of focus and programming to provide real-time resources for the community. Our services increased by 300% throughout the year, and between September and October, our screening tool increased by 500%, with youth 17 years of age and younger. Ultimately, we do not understand at this time the long-term mental health effects the pandemic will inflict on us. However, we will continue to be here for you to bring needed tools as we evolve with the changes.

That said, the pandemic has offered many silver linings for our agency. While the world slowed down, opportunities for storytelling opened. Social media became a platform for support groups, recovery meetings, teletherapy, and overall connection. We developed virtual workshops, educational videos, toolkits, support groups, and connection platforms. Through social media, we capitalized on the importance of mental health and social connection to bring about good routines. View our YouTube Channel to engage in healthy practices.

Lastly, racial, political, and systematic tragedies brought forth the conversation of intentionally addressing racism and discrimination that results in inequities in care and disparities outcomes. Mental Health America understands that racism undermines mental health. Therefore, we are committed to anti-racism in all that we do. This means that we pledge to work against individual racism, interpersonal racism, and institutional racism in all their forms. If you are interested in furthering the conversation, please reach out to become a mental health ambassador.

Thank you for standing by our side in 2020. You lifted us and assisted in shining the light on mental health. We look forward to a new year and building upon systems to improve wellness for all.

In gratitude,

Julie L. Preder
Executive Director

IN THIS ISSUE: