Highlights Local

Consumer Center Photo Album

We recently added an album 'One Ordinary Day' to our facebook page. Several of our members agreed to be photographed in the center for this purpose. Photo Album

Walk 2010 Participants Thanked by CEO

The generosity of sponsors and participants in 2010 Walk for a Healthy Community recognized by CEO Bill Grove. Complete Letter

National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month

The 2010 schedule for the 21st National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month Celebration has been announced: Save the Date: Sep 8 2010
Reserve a table at this event

More chances for Second Chance Computers

Img of computer lab Recently Highmark BC/BS was able to give us 5 computers which translates into opportunities for 5 more consumers to enter the world of technological learning and information sharing that many of us with means now take for granted. Those who take advantage of this opportunity will not just gain confidence in navigating the world of information technology but will also be able to consider new ways to think about opportunities for personal and professional growth.

We want to thank Highmark for donating these computers that will support MHA, a mental health consumer driven/run organization, in our quest to help persons with mental health needs have the opportunities to succeed in lives of their choosing. We hope that Highmark’s generosity now may be seen as an investment that may lead to more mental health consumers eventually seeking opportunities for higher education.

With donations such as this, Second Chance Computers has yet another chance to,'bridge the gap.'

Annual Report 2008 - 2009

Our annual report for fiscal year 2008 - 2009 has been posted. This positive report by our CEO Bill Grove, highlights the expansion in services that occured during the year. Annual Report 2009

Erie County Treatment Court Graduates 8 on Jun 24, 2010

Erie County has developed a unique partnership to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach in addressing one of the most devastating problems facing our community today, crime, drug abuse and mental illness. Erie County Treatment Court is in its tenth year.

Above and Beyond award given MHA staff

The MHA Board of Directors recognizes MHA staff members who perform exceptional deeds which prove to be instrumental in the lives of mental health consumers. These deeds deserve to be celebrated. The 'Above and Beyond' award has recently been awarded to four MHA staff members in gratitude for these special efforts.

Board President Writes About the MHA

Our board president, Missi Berquist, recently wrote an essay about the MHA. Read her very touching opinion of our organization.

Put Your Game Face On

Three purposes of wearing your 'Game Face'.Read this essay by Brian McLaughlin.

Second Chance Computers asking for Donations

Our Second Chance Computers program has graduated 6 students to date. These six MHANP consumers have learned basic computer skills. This training builds self confidence in addition to marketable qualifications. The graduates are given the computers when they complete the training. More computers are needed to continue this training. Get hardware specs.

Recovery Stories Needed for CATV Production

The Mental Health Association is recruiting volunteers to tell their personal Recovery stories. A Community Access TV Video is being produced to provide these stories to interested organizations. This message by Kate Bender gives more detail.

Jasper a certified therapy dog visits MHA

Jasper with his trainer Dave Tamilin, visits MHA . Jasper and Dave usually stop at the Association twice per month. This page contains additional information and the video of a recent visit.

TTY Service Available At MHA

Thanks to the generosity of the Erie Community Foundation the Mental Health Association of NW PA was awarded a grant for the purchase of a TTY machine. In our efforts to be good neighbors and a resource to the larger community, the MHA TTY service availability will be posted at our front entrance so that anyone with a hearing impairment in the downtown Erie area will be welcome to use this device upon request.

The Internship Experience at the MHA

Several college seniors from universities within the tri state area have spent a semester at the MHA. We have asked our recent interns to express their impression of their experience with us.

Highlights Regional

Taking Charge of Depression!

Are you depressed? How would you know the signs and symptoms? Depression is about emotional pain. It can be mild with just a vague feeling of being "blue" to severe where you just want your life to end. There is help. Start by clicking on Feeling Blue and Depression Screening to get the "take charge" information you need to help. For immediate support or suicide risk contact Crisis Services (available day or night) at 814-456-2014/1-800-300-9558.

Nar-Anon Meeting Schedule

The Lake Erie SERENITY Area Nar-Anon meeting schedule has been made available. Meeting Schedule

Treatment Center for Eating Disorders

The Center For Change, a residential treatment center for eating disorders, was recently highlighted on national television. During a program viewed in May 2010, Dr. Phil interviewed a family from Erie, Pa. One of the children in this family suffered from eating disorders. The Center for Change treatment center was suggested as a solution to eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating.

Recovery Dignity traveling exhibit

The exhibit raises awareness of and restores dignity of the hundreds of thousands of consumers who died and were buried in unmarked graves on the grounds of psychiatric hospitals nationwide. Memorial of Recovery Dignity

Works For Me-Pa

Works for me is a FREE resource that can direct you to agencies and programs that help people with disabilities in Pennsylvania who want to work, and improve their financial security. You can work without losing your financial security or health care benefits. Works for me is here to help answer your questions about working!

Social Security Admin launches new website for "Ticket to Work"

The Social Security Administration is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Ticket to Work Program with the launch of "Choose Work" web site, www.choosework.net. You can view short, informative videos and hear stories from people who have explored the Ticket to Work Program.

Social Security Admin 2009 Hiring Project

The Social Security Administration has recently received funding to hire a significant number of employees throughout the country. This hiring initiative offers a unique opportunity for individuals with disabilities who may want to get a job with SSA. These jobs will be at various skill levels including a number of entry-level positions.

Bring Change 2 Mind

This organization, Bring Change 2 Mind, was formed to provide quick and easy access to accurate information about mental illness for people who have misconceptions about mental illness. The founder Glenn Close enlisted Ron Howard to direct the introductory video.

"No Kidding, Me Too!" Using Celebrity to Reverse Stigma

A new nonprofit wants to get the message out about the importance of treatment for mental illness--and it's hoping the voice of celebrity will ring loud and true for people feeling helpless and isolated by anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, or any of the host of conditions the group refers to as "brain dis-ease.".

MH Advance Directive

Mental Health Advance Directive is available online.