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,

Please take a moment to watch A Look Back on 2020 below.

Dana Bear
2021 MHA Board President

No one could have anticipated what we experienced in 2020, and what challenges it would present.  This did not put a hold on the services that MHA provides, and the staff displayed their amazing ability to pivot and adapt to the changing needs of our community. 

With challenge comes growth, and I believe 2020 has prepared us for a 2021 filled with growth.  The need for MHA’s services are greater than ever. I am confident that MHA is well equipped with the education, programs, and tools needed to move forward into this year supporting the mental wellness of our community.  It is the collective contributions of partners, board, volunteers, and staff that has allowed MHA to remain resilient and push our mission forward through trying times. We are all the mental health champions the community needs. I look forward to a brighter and hope-filled year to come.

Dr. Thomas Campbell
2020 MHA Board President

As we head into 2021, I am filled with hope and optimism, while also being overly concerned about the very real battles a head of us. This past year has tasked us all with more challenges than any person should be asked to face, yet our perseverance and desire to move forward remained strong. MHA stayed vigilant throughout the year and adapted to our collective challenges with grace, tenacity, and an undaunted resolve. In the coming year, MHA will have a profound impact on our community and will continue to be a beacon of hope and an organization dedicated to the health of us all. It has been an honor to serve as Board President this year, and I am excited to see what great things MHA will do in 2021.

We are honored to have had Dr. Thomas Campbell as our Board President during the most challenging year at MHA.  We are in gratitude for his vision, strength, and courage to meet our community's needs.

Sincerely,

MHA Board of Directors and Team

We are sad to say goodbye but very grateful for the time with our outgoing board members Wendy Yurk, Adam Norlander, and Laura Albright. We cannot thank you all enough for your leadership, heart, and commitment to MHA!

Welcome new board members Aaron Clayborn - Recovery Coach Supervisor at WI Recovery Community Organization and Dawn Grohskopf - Director of Branch Operations at UnitedOne Credit Union. We are so fortunate to have you joining us in 2021!

Thank you to Cole Sheldon of False Take Films for his beautiful vision in creating the new MHA in Sheboygan County promotional video. Click HERE or above to watch.

"Just because no one can heal or do your inner work for you,
doesn't mean you can, should, or need to do it alone."
                                                                                                         - Lisa Olivera