Affiliate Updates

Greater Reading Mental Health Alliance (GRMHA)

During the spring and fall months, and in association with NAMI of Berks County, GRMHA offers educational teachings and seminars. Topics range from practical daily living skills to understanding issues of clinical mental health disorders. Experts in their field and guest facilitators present such topics as, "Living With Bipolar Disorder," "How to Improve Your Memory," "Facts About Psychiatric Hospitalization," "Borderline Personality Disorder," and "Supporting Loved Ones With Mental Health Issues." Everyone is welcome but space is limited and reservations recommended. For the most part, the programs are free to NAMI members, although some seminars require a nominal donation. See upcoming offerings here.

Mental Health America Allegheny County

Do you have a question about mental health? Ask Dr. K! Each month, Dr. K chooses one reader’s questions to answer online at mhaac.net. Dr. K is Kyaien O. Conner, Ph.D., a licensed social worker and graduate of the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Social Work where she received a Doctorate of Philosophy. Submit your question to Dr. K here.

Mental Health America Lancaster County

Jam away the blues with MHA Lancaster County. On June 2, 2012, the Blue Light Special will rock the Elks Lodge (219 North Duke Street, Lancaster) to help raise money for the MHA. Tickets are $25 per person or $100 for five people. Get yours here.

Mental Health Association of Northwestern Pennsylvania (MHANP)

On the first and third Friday of every month, MHANP offers a free interactive Anxiety Support Group for adults. MHANP provides each participant with a notebook and folder that they are asked to bring in each week. The notebook allows participants to take notes and keep track of interactive exercises for inside and outside of the group. Over time, the hope is to achieve a change in behavior. Emphasizing that panic and anxiety is a result of automatic negative thinking (ANTs) developed early on in life, the group's long range goal is to apply what’s learned in the group so that new thinking habits are created. Learn more about the group here.

Mental Health America Westmoreland County (MHA/WC)

What do a psychology professor, an award-winning documentary producer, a former TV news anchor, an organization helping abused and neglected children, and a retired county administrator have in common? Westmoreland County (MHA/WC) honored each at its 2012 Innovations event, which recognizes innovators in the field of mental health and wellness. Click here to learn who this year’s honorees were.

Mental Health Association of the Capital Region (MHACR)

MHACR has started a new initiative called “It’s Okay to Get Help.” (It licensed the name and concept from The Mental Health Association of Indian River County in Florida.) This educational/awareness campaign helps people recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health issues early and encourages them to seek help. A year long effort, building the initiative was the collaborative work of community leaders, police departments, providers, consumers, and county representatives. They joined together to prioritize the mental health issues in Dauphin County and develop concepts for videos that feature real people with lived experience.  

With funding from the United Way and The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, MHACR and its team produced four Mental Health Minutes. These short videos are being broadcast in Dauphin County on the Food Network, ABC Family Network, and Lifetime Movies now through December 2012. Get your sneak preview here!

• General Anxiety Disorder Video
• ADHD Video

In other MHACR news, the MHA presented its first ITE/MH Award to Dennis Felty, founder and president of Keystone Human services, for his vision and leadership in supporting individuals on their own paths of recovery. The award itself, presented during MHACR’s annual Festival of Hope, was designed in collaboration with the ITE/MH Campaign.

Mental Health Association of Franklin and Fulton Counties (MHAFF)

MHAFF hosts its annual Christmas in July event on July 19, 2012. Join the fun at Norlo Park (3050 Lincoln Way East in Fayetteville, Pennsylvania) from 9:30am-2pm.  Expect fun games, good food, and an interesting program. Open to all. The event is free to the public but you must register in advance. Contact MHAFF at bmunch@mhaff.org.