Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

The media is full of news about budget developments in Harrisburg. MHAPA is paying attention and committed to fighting to sustain the mental health system of services and supports that we have spent many years helping to develop. However, other than to update you, we turn away from the budget in this edition of The Newsfeed to focus on other stories. I especially urge you to read the Spotlight On Hope from the I’m the Evidence/Mental Health Campaign (ITE/MH). The Campaign shares its reflections on Hope as a guiding value in mental health recovery—let it also serve as a source of support during these challenging times.

On the subject of recovery, May is Mental Health Month, a wonderful time to celebrate and bring attention to mental health recovery. During the month, honor recovery around you: thank a neighbor, staff member, co-worker, or local shop owner for their support of recovery; recognize a community leader who champions recovery; and take the time to celebrate yourself for walking your personal recovery journey or next to someone else on theirs.

To help you promote recovery in May, the ITE/MH Campaign has developed a list of ideas for incorporating recovery into your Mental Health Month activities. If you are an organization, see the list here. Ideas for individuals are available here. And, if you are not yet a Campaign Partner or Ambassador, do get involved today—it’s easy and the benefits numerous!

Finally, I am delighted to announce that as this edition of The Newsfeed "goes to press," we have awarded the first annual Glenn Koons Scholarship for Peer Specialists. The winner of this year’s scholarship is Demi Anne Dennis of Kingston, PA. Congratulations!

Sue Walther
Executive Director
MHAPA