Massachusetts Association for Mental Health

Massachusetts' Office of Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention is looking for insights and innovative ideas to shape their efforts in promoting #behavioralhealth and preventing #mentalhealth and #substanceuse challenges across the Commonwealth. Complete their Request for Information (RFI) and share recommendations by November 22! https://ow.ly/7OPg50TVsiq

This week MAMH's Cassie Cramer, Project Manager of the #OlderAdult Behavioral Health Network, accepted the Community Partnership Award from the Northeast Independent Living Center (NERLC)! This award recognizes her partnership with NERLC in educating aging service providers on the unique role and value of Older Adult Peer Specialists and expanding their services to underserved communities.

This week MAMH celebrated former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy's new book "Profiles in Mental Health Courage" at the UMass Club in Boston. Former Congressman Kennedy not only tells the stories of people living with mental health conditions, but also the stories of parents, siblings, therapists, coworkers, doctors, and friends who create the extended families needed to support care and wellness. "Sense of community and social connection is imperative to our mental health and well being."

MAMH and the CEO Alliance for Mental Health is dedicated to improving the lives of people living with mental health and substance use challenges. Today, we recognize World Mental Health Day, highlighting a critical element of our Unified Vision, and affirm that we stand together to increase the number and diversity of the behavioral health providers. https://lnkd.in/gNurfKjp

We’re just a few hours away from the #2024FriendandLeader event. Get live updates starting at 8PM. Also be sure to follow us for research updates, advocacy initiatives, events, and ongoing information relating to mental health! x.com/MentalHealth_MA You can also show your support by signing up for our Action Alerts (mamh.org/subscribe) or with a donation (bit.ly/mamhfl24-donate).

Don’t forget to follow along TODAY at 8PM for our #2024FriendandLeader Award Dinner! Join us on X in recognizing the power of partnerships and youth mental health, honoring individuals and organizations whose work has a positive, lasting impact on all Commonwealth residents. Also be sure to follow us for research updates, advocacy initiatives, events, and ongoing information relating to mental health! x.com/MentalHealth_MA

Supported decision-making allows adults, including those with disabilities and older adults, to maintain their rights, dignity, and independence by choosing one or more trusted supporters to assist in making decisions about their lives.

Senator Cynthia Stone Creem, Representative Ruth Balser, and Representative Kay Khan will receive the Partners in Progress Award at the MAMH #2024FriendandLeader Award Dinner, recognizing the power of partnerships and youth mental health! Senator Cynthia Creem has served in a public capacity for more than 30 years, serving in a leadership role on high-profile issues impacting the lives of people across the Commonwealth. As the first psychologist to serve in the Massachusetts Legislature, Representative Ruth Balser has made mental health a top legislative priority and is recognized for her expertise and leadership on this issue. As a former nurse, Representative Kay Khan is deeply passionate about public health issues and brings her on-the-ground knowledge of the healthcare system to everything she does. She celebrates and promotes diversity with legislative priorities such as expanding access to maternal health care and advancing the rights of people with #mentalhealth conditions and people with disabilities.   Join us on September 26 to honor Senator Cynthia Creem, Representative Ruth Balser, and Representative Kay Khan! bit.ly/mamhfl24

MAMH works to ensure all individuals and families have the resources and opportunities they need to promote resilience and protect their overall health and well being. Despite successful legislative and budget advocacy resulting in advances in access and availability of mental health care – particularly for children, adolescents, and young adults – much work remains. Learn more about some of these achievements here: bit.ly/3N7TfKJ Help ensure that the important progress toward equitable mental health care for people of all ages continues by attending our #2024FriendandLeader Award Dinner in September! bit.ly/mamhfl24

William James College, Dr. Nicholas Covino, and Gemima St. Louis, PhD (she/her) will receive our Special Recognition Award at MAMH’s #2024FriendandLeader event, honoring their ongoing commitment to behavioral health workforce development, diverse providers, and culturally-responsive care! William James College is dedicated to advancing mental health. The College prepares students for careers in behavioral health and leadership, with a strong commitment to serving diverse and underserved communities. Dr. Nicholas A. Covino, president of William James College, is dedicated to making a difference in behavioral health. Dr. Covino leads and continues to advance the College’s mission to meet the growing mental health needs, especially of underserved populations. Dr. Gemima St. Louis, vice president for workforce initiatives at the William James College, has dedicated her career to training, mentoring, and educating behavioral health providers to address persistent mental health disparities of people from underserved communities. Join us on September 26 to honor their commitment to behavioral health workforce development, diverse providers, and culturally-responsive care! bit.ly/mamhfl24 #2024FriendandLeader