Welcome

In the SPOTLIGHT

Happy 2012 to all! Plans are under way for a productive year here at Mental Health America. We would like to invite you to join us in building a stronger MHA for the future. Here is how you can help:

- VOLUNTEER: we are always looking for volunteers to help with projects and office work. There are many fulfilling ways that you can do this. Just call us or stop in to learn more.

-Serve on our Board of Directors: we currently have several openings on our Board. Call me at 721-2910 Ext. 13 to learn more today.

-Raise Funds: the agency needs your help with this more than ever. There are many ways to raise funds- you don't have to be a fundraising expert. We can even give you some ideas. You can donate today, just drop a check in the mail!

We really hope that you will consider how you can partner with us, give some of your time,and help us to reach more people with the services we provide. We know people are in need of help...and you can help us reach them! Here is to a productive 2012!

Warmly,

Liz

Liz Atwell is the Executive Director for MHA of Southwest Ohio. She is a United Way volunteer, Board member of The Partnership for Mental Health, and Board member of Leadership Council of Human Services Executives.

Mental Health America of Southwest Ohio is dedicated to promoting mental health, working to prevent mental illness and substance abuse through advocacy, education, and supportive services.

We can help you navigate the mental health system, find information, get referrals, or access resources you need. To access over 600 FREE community support groups, click on the link below or use the link in the menu to your left.

Find A Support Group

NEED ASSISTANCE: Information & Referral

To help you find the providers you are looking for, MHA maintains a Mental Health Resource Directory. Click here to download the Directory or call our offices, 721-2910, to pick up hard copies of the 2010 printed version.

Affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder? Here are 2 links to useful resources to help you cope until the seasons change.

http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Emotional-Health/Depression/Conquering-Seasonal-Depression.aspx

http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Healthy-Living/11-Simple-Strategies-to-Move-Past-Depression.aspx?b=1

UPCOMING MENTAL HEALTH ROUNDTABLE

February 7, 2012 12:00-1:00 P.M.

Dr. Scott Bullock, Lindner Center of Hope, will present on Bulemia. Did you know that over 8,000,000 people in the United States have an Eating Disorder? And 90% of these individuals are women. Eating Disorders, such as Bulemia, don't discriminate- they impact us all. Join us on the 7th to learn more.

MHA - Host Site for The Ohio Empowerment Coalition

The OEC's regional office in Southwest Ohio is located within the offices of Mental Health America of Southwest Ohio. Welcome, Margaret Casarez, OEC Southwest Ohio Regional Coordinator!

OEC is looking for individuals who are interested in becoming Certified Peer Specialists. A training will take place in Cincinnati the week of Jan. 30-Feb. 3.

If you are interested, download the application which includes all requirements. You can also learn more about OEC via their website at www.ohioempowerment.org

download application

Understanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

A one-page document is available to help you better understand how the ACA affects people with mental illness. The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati has 3 downloadable documents that talk about, mental illness and private insurance, mental illness and Medicare and Medicaid, and various examples of how the ACA affects people with mental illness. Copies are available at MHA or you can visit www.healthfoundation.org to download.