mental health association

Difference

APriL 2013

mhaswfl.org

Educating Southwest Florida on Mental Wellness Since 1957

A r e m A k i n g AWeMental Health

Association

We are making a Difference mhaswfl.org

· We want all people to understand how to protect and improve their mental health, and know when to seek help for themselves or someone close to them.

· We want our regions schools, businesses, healthcare system and other settings to have the knowledge and re-sources. they need to respond to the mental health of their constituencies and achieve their missions.

· We want all to have access to high quality, affordable and personalized preventative, early-identification and treatment services, when and if the need arises.

· We want persons with disabling mental illnesses to receive the support, treatment and services that they need to recover and live full lives in their communities. We want more research and services focused on prevention, recovery and cures.

What we do:

ADvocAte

eDUcAte

Serve

Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida (MHASWFL) is a non-profit, 501(c)3, non-governmental voluntary citizen organization whose primary goals are to promote healthy emotional and mental development.

The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida has been a voice for change for our community since 1957.

A primary goal of The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida is to educate the general public about the realities of mental health, mental illness and mental wellness. We also offer continuing education for mental health professionals.

We Serve by identifying unmet needs and developing culturally sensitive services and programs to improve the lives of those facing the many challenges of today’s world in our community. We pride ourselves on being the “link” for mental health and mental wellness.

To Advocate for Mental Wellness through Education, Prevention, and Support.

What we stand for: Our message is simple: Good mental health is fundamental to the health and well-being of every person and of the nation as a whole. Our agenda is clear:

MHA staff:

Petra Jones, mPAExecutive Director

Brian follweiler, BA cPASProgran Director

oscar Pineda, BSIT/Administrator Manager

gollee gator, BSMascot

Our mission:

ABoUt USFor over 55 years the MHA has served the members of our community so that they can achieve positive mental and emotional well being. Without the MHA being a vital educational resource to our community members and the link between them and other direct service providers many individuals that suffer from mental and emotional challenges would not seek or obtain the necessary support and treatment needed. To accomplish our goals we are hopeful to continue to receive the support from our community so that we are able to better serve its members.

Joshua rudnickPresident, Mental Health

Association of

Southwest Flroida

Who we are:

We will advance our mission by: · Educating the public about ways to preserve and strengthen its mental health;

· Fighting for access to effective care and an end to discrimination against people with mental and addictive disorders; · Fostering innovation in research, practice, services and policy; and providing information and resources to individuals and families living with mental health and substance use problems.

2 MHAof Southwest Florida APriL 2013

mhaswfl.org We are making a Difference

mHA charter members meet for first time. Dr. John Franklin becomes MHA’s first staff psychologist to screen emotionally disturbed children. “Project cheer” started to help hospitalized patients during the holidays.

MHA rejoices when President John f. kennedy signs the mental Health Act.Artist George Rogers organizes art lessons for patients at g Pierce Wood Hospital in Arcadia.

A clinic committee was incorporated to acquire a mental health facility for Collier County – Now the David Lawrence Center.

karma House (refuge and walk-in crisis center) established by MHACC.

MHA rallies opposition when Florida plans to transform the State Hospital into a prison.

Divorce Adjustment Programs begin.

mHA protests lapse in licensing regulations for psychologists.

“everyday People,” improvisational role players educating on mental health issues, debut locally, performing and training hundreds nationwide over the next seven years.

Anna Ricotta spearheads “i’m thumbody” (self-esteem program for second graders) “Junior mental Health Players,” and the “me in mental Health,” targeting adolescent audiences.

Noontime “Brown Bag Lectures” begin. Collier County Builders and Contractors Association assists with manpower and materials to build MHA’s new headquarters.

Sarah Ann Drop-in center: operated by and for consumers of mental health services – now under the aegis of NAMI.Putting children first: court mandated parenting class for all divorcing parents.

BABeS (beginning alcohol/addiction basic education studies) designed to provide children with a lifetime of protection from substance abuse and to assist them in developing healthy living skills.i can Problem Solve – raising a thinking Child – teaches children how to think not what to think, helps them to reach solutions of problems in a peaceful, non-violent way.

early childhood initiative: Children prevention programs.

Established Directory of Licensed mental Health Professionals in Collier County.Established one child At A time: pro bono mental health services.

circle of Hearts: program for women mentoring women.

children in crisis Awareness initiative: to educate the public on the lack of children’s mental health and substance abuse services. tAB: Teen Advisory Board of Collier County – partnership between MHA and Collier County School Board.

Senior Peer counseling Program: utilizes trained seniors to provide emotional and mental support to other seniors and caregivers in need.

Became licensed to provide continuing education credits for mental health professionals and psychologists.

fASt: Families and Schools Together: in partnership with Shadowlawn Elementary School. Name change to mental Health Association of Southwest florida to include Lee County for services.

fUn damentals: in partnership with the Naples Art Association at the von Liebig Center. Program promotes critical thinking regardless of skill level with access to a variety of categories of art. Target audience – middle school students.out of the Shadows: documentary produced by Susan Smiley about the stigma and vast code of silence surrounding people with schizophrenia and their families.mental Health/mental illness: fine Line Photo exhibit by Michael Nye. Documentary of voices, stories and portraits that confronts stereotypes and revea ls the courage and fragility of those living with mental illnesses.Workplace Wellness Program established.

veterans Support group established by a local psychologist.

gollee gator children’s mental Wellness Program: Shooting for the Stars Basketball clinic established.Dance With no Limits.Annual meeting Features children’s author marc Brown, father of Arthur.Broadway star Wambui Bahati her one woman show “Balancing Act.”Wambui Bahati performed on Naples Princess.Dr. Robert Albanese: Health care reform and How it impacts mental Health ServicesDiversity Award.

Over 55 years of serving our community

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oUr HiStory

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mental Health Bell During the early days of mental health treatment, asylums often restrained people who had mental illnesses with iron chains and shackles around their ankles and wrists. With better understanding and treatments, this cruel practice eventually stopped. In 1953, Maryland Gov. Theodore McKeldin and Mrs. A. Felix DuPont poured the metal made from these melted chains to create the Mental Health Bell. Today, the Mental Health Bell rings out hope for improving mental health and achieving victory over mental illnesses.

2005

For over 55 years the MHA has served the members of our community so that they can achieve positive mental and emotional well being. Without the MHA being a vital educational resource to our community members and the link between them and other direct service providers many individuals that suffer from mental and emotional challenges would not seek or obtain the necessary support and treatment needed. To accomplish our goals we are hopeful to continue to receive the support from our community so that we are able to better serve its members.

We will advance our mission by:

of Southwest FloridaMHA 3APriL 2013


Diversity festival

Mental health is a fundamental social justice issue.There is no health without mental health.Concern for the public’s health demands that disparities in treatment and the disproportionality of the burden of illness be eradicated.We require change that is commensurate to the enormous magnitude of behavioral health problems in multiple aspects of our culture, our communities, our neighborhoods and our families.MHASWFL represents a growing movement of individuals who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the community. This movement must engage and involve the general public as well as persons with mental and substance use conditions in all its aspects.

We emphasize recovery from mental and substance use conditions for all. MHASWFL confirms its commitment to:A. Raise its voice for people affected by mental and substance use

conditions that have not had a voice.B. Diversity and cultural competence in programs, communication,

treatment, and relationships.c. The translation of science into practice.D. Ensuring that the public’s trust is confirmed through efficient

conscientious leadership and stewardship.

“Whether it is in private consultations; group therapy; workshops;

community outreach training events or advocating

for persons with disabling mental illness to receive support, treatment and services; the MHASWFL is

the main source for information

and resources to individuals and families in this area.

gail WilliamsChief Diversity Officer,

Hodges University

Proud Supporter of MHA

SPreADing tHe WorD!Community Advocacy

Community Agency NetworkingThe Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida has been networking

with other agencies since our conception over 55 years ago. Through these networking efforts many community based projects and services have been established.

It is our belief that by pooling resources, knowledge, and experience the community is better served!

martin Luther king Parade

council of Hispanic Business

Professinals meeting

conference presented by the Diversity council



Students attend edison State college Anti-Bullying event

There are few differences among ethnic groups in the numbers of

students being bullied

This is a one-of-a-kind counseling program in Southwest Florida offered by The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida. We try to link low-income working adults and their children who are in need of mental health services and have no insurance or financial resources with mental health professionals who offer pro bono services.

for theBasketball Clinic

Gollee’s

The clinic features human development, training, emphasizing academics, problem solving, refusal skills, self concept, self-esteem and teamwork. Players will work on fundamental skills trough drills, viewing of films, some play and a foul-shooting contest. Have fun while gaining a memorable and exciting experience.

As an educator,

clinician, human

development trainer,

and parent, I have

been blessed to

have an opportunity

to work with the

Mental Health

Association of

Southwest Florida…

MHASWFL allows us

all that teammwork

will make your

dream work. Save

the children.

Wali JonesNBA All-Star, Coordinator of MHA “Shooting for the Stars” Proud Supporter of MHA

One Child at a Time Program

Take Steps to Stop Bullying

1.Start talking to your children early.

2. Teach them how to be assertive.

3. Stop bullying when you see it.

4. Tell your children to take action.

5. Communicate clear policies and

consequences.

6. Team Up with your PTA or give

us a call.

7. Seek Help when necessary.

gollee’s Tip Gollee’s Outreach & Education InitiativeIt is estimated that about

one in five children have a diagnosable mental health disorder, and one in ten children have a disorder of such seriousness that it interferes with their functioning at home, at school, and in our community. We can stop this cycle and help our youth become successful, productive individuals.

That is why we are networking with other agencies and community effort programs to bring valuable projects into focus. Working together as a solid community resource is fundamental in achieving our goals.

connecting kiDS!

mhaswfl.org click on Programs & initiatives children’s Behavioral Health initiativeLearn More!



Workplace Wellness

Peer Support GroupsneeD to tALk?

Peer Counseling utilizes the skills and life experiences of older adults in providing emotional support for their peers. The program provides adults with the opportunity to talk to someone of their age who has gone through similar life changes and who can understand their experiences. Our peer counselors provide individual counseling, as well as facilitating in support groups usually in groups of eight to ten members. Participation is voluntary and is based on nurturing each client’s special needs.

Peer support is an important aspect of recovery for persons with mental illness. A Peer led support group brings people together who have similar experiences. Meetings are confidential, informal, non-judgmental, and are geared to stimulate discussion and sharing of concerns. Joining a support group is a valuable addition to, but not in place of, professional treatment. Support groups can help you feel less alone by making connections with others and get you motivated to stick to your treatment plan.

• Depression

• Veterans

• Here for Life

Some of our

ongoing

support groups:

Peer Counseling for Seniors & Caregivers:

Divorce eDUcAtionPutting Children First

This four hour, online, court mandated, educational support group for parents who are about to embark on divorce. The program recognizes that loving, caring parents may lose sight of how deeply their children may be affected by their decision to obtain a divorce. The thought is that if parents are more informed about the pitfalls of families in divorce, they may be more responsive to their children’s needs

during this time.

scan thisto learn more

The Mental Health Association is a critical partner in the wellness of our community

by elevating the dialogue about mental health,

promoting treatment, prevention

and education.

Dave SchimmelChief Executive Officer,

David Lawrence Center

Proud Supporter of MHA

Each presentation is tailored to fit the needs of the business. Together we will identify educational programs which can best serve the employees while advancing the goal of Promoting the highest level of mental health in our community. Sample topics include: Stay positive – Increase Output; Resolving Conflict in the Workplace; Stress Management; Communicating in the Workplace; Substance Abuse at Work.

Learn More!For more on all our Adult

Wellness Programs visit...

mhaswfl.orgclick on

Programs & initiatives

Adult Wellness

mhaswfl.orgclick on

calendar



The Fundamentals of Our 55 Years11 Mental health is a fundamental social justice issue.2 There is no health without mental health.3 Concern for the public’s health demands that disparities in treatment and the disproportionality of the burden of illness be eradicated.

4 We require change that is commensurate to the enormous magnitude of behavioral health problems in multiple aspects of our culture, our communities, our neighborhoods and our families.5 MHASWFL represents a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation. This movement must engage and involve the general public as well as persons with mental and substance use conditions in all its aspects.6 We emphasize recovery from mental and substance use conditions for all.7 MHASWFL confirms its commitment to: a. Raise its voice for people affected by mental and substance use conditions that have not had a voice. b. Diversity and cultural competence in programs, communication, treatment, and relationships.c. The translation of science into practice. d. Ensuring that the public’s trust is confirmed through efficient conscientious leadership and stewardship.

“young people and children don’t suffer from mental health problems.”It is estimated that more than 6 million young people in America may suffer from a mental health disorder that severely disrupts their ability to function at home, in school, or in their community.

“People who need psychiatric care should be locked away in institutions.”Today, most people can lead productive lives within their communities thanks to a variety of supports, programs, and/or medications.

“A person who has had a mental illness can never be normal.”People with mental illnesses can recover and resume normal activities. For example, Mike Wallace of “60 Minutes”, who had clinical depression, received treatment and led an enriched and accomplished life.

“mentally ill persons are dangerous.”The vast majority of people with mental illnesses are not violent. In the cases when violence does occur, the incidence typically results from the same reasons as with the general public such as feeling threatened or excessive use of alcohol and/or drugs.

“People with mental illnesses can work low-level jobs but aren’t suited for really important or responsible positions.”People with mental illnesses, like everyone else, have the potential to work at any level depending on their own abilities, experience and motivation.

MYTH

MYTH

MYTH

MYTH

MYTH

common miSconcePtionS ABoUt mentAL iLLneSS

VS.MYTH

The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida has been a community referral source in the region for many years. We offer personal referrals by phone to our many Licensed Mental Health Professionals and well as other vital Community Services. We also have the ability to for our Professionals to refer to a colleague in the area or other information needed for a client.

We offer the ability of our Directory in print, online and mobile for easy access of information. Also our office staff can be contacted for referral information and community insight.

The MHA has always

stepped up to the plate to

address the mental health

need in our community,

by consistently providing

needed services and

programs. Our MHA has

proven time and time

again how valuable they

have been in helping

make Naples the special

place we are so fortunate

to live and work in.

mayor Bill BarnettProud Supporter of MHA

We cAn HeLP!Health Professional Referral Network:

55 Y

ears

of p

rovi

din

g S

ervi

ces

thro

ugho

ut S

WFL

wow

!

This four hour, online, court mandated, educational support group for parents who are about to embark on divorce. The program recognizes that loving, caring parents may lose sight of how deeply their children may be affected by their decision to obtain a divorce. The thought is that if parents are more informed about the pitfalls of families in divorce, they may be more responsive to their children’s needs

during this time.

mhaswfl.org click on information

Programs & initiativesmonthly newsletter

StAy UP to DAte!with our Monthly Newslettermhaswfl.org click on



Please makecheck payable to MHASWFL.

ThankYou!

If you have any questionsplease contact our office

2335 Tamaimi Trail N Suite 404, Naples FL 34103email: [email protected]: 239) 261-5405online: mhaswfl.org

Yes! I want to help MHASWFL with a tax deductible contribution. Please find my enclosed gift:

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The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida identify unmet needs and develop culturally sensitive services and programs to improve the lives of those facing the many challenges of today’s world in our community. Your contribution is tax-deductible and crucial to helping us continue our work.

yoU cAn HeLP...

If you are interested in becoming a Supporter,

simply donate online with a credit card, or fill out

the application below and mail with a check.

Let’s make a

togetherDifference...

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