Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition
The Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition (MHAC) is a statewide member organization that unifies diverse local voices to advocate with the goals of (1) increasing awareness of issues impacting people with mental illnesses and addiction disorders and (2) advancing policies that positively impact Ohioans affected by mental illnesses and addiction disorders.
MHAC Statement on Racism and the Behavioral Health Needs of BIPOC
(Released June 11, 2020) - The MHAC recognizes the impacts of systemic and systematic racism on the behavioral health needs of Ohioans who are Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). These impacts have traumatic physical, emotional, and psychological manifestations. We understand our responsibility to continue educating ourselves and those we interact with on the ways that racism and socioeconomic disparities impact BIPOC, and that our collective advocacy priorities should reflect the importance of this issue.
It is important that we work together to ensure all Ohioans have access to behavioral health services. Together, we must move purposefully and with great conviction and urgency to abolish systemic inequities and deep seeded prejudices and biases that have been allowed to fester for far too long with tragic consequences. Join us by becoming a voice for change and creating the world we know should exist. We know we can do it together.
Click here to read the MHAC's complete statement on racism.
NEW REPORT: Mind the Gap: Creating a Robust Continuum of Behavioral Health Care for Young Ohioans
The MHAC in partnership with Children's Defense Fund-Ohio (CDF-Ohio) released Mind the Gap: Creating a Robust Continuum of Behavioral Health Care for Young Ohioans, a report which details what a comprehensive behavioral health Continuum of Care looks like for young Ohioans from prenatal/maternal up to age 26, along with caregivers. Download it today!
Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition
advocates for adequate financial and political support of mental health and addiction treatment and supportive services and for systemic change to improve access to behavioral health services. A part of this advocacy is educating the community, public officials, and key constituencies about crucial issues impacting Ohioans with mental health or addiction disorders and the impact of untreated behavioral health disorders on the community.Testimonials
"Lighthouse Youth and Family Services appreciates our membership with the MHAC. The MHAC is great at providing opportunities to network and build connections within our communities. The MHAC provides opportunities to interact with public officials on important issues at state and local levels that impact our agencies as well as the clients we serve. Great advocacy and collaboration."
-Vickie Ackman, Vice President of Clinical Services, Lighthouse Youth and Family Services
"The MHAC continues to advocate and enhance policies and issues relating to mental health and the whole child, which positively impact students' academic and emotional success.”
-Mary Wise, Student Wellness Coordinator, Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio
"I am a huge MHAC fan for its excellent leadership and timely information. When I need data and updated legislative results, the staff responds immediately. Since my practice (mergers and other partnerships) usually finds me in rooms with locked doors, I depend on seeing my wonderful colleagues at MHAC meetings. Keep up the great work!"
-Marta Brockmeyer, Ph.D, Consultant, Marta Brockmeyer, Ph.D.
"Being a member of the MHAC has been a great resource for our nonprofit that provides prevention education theatre. I have made connections to schools, treatment centers and government officials who are supportive of our mission. The meetings are a wealth of knowledge about state legislation as well as programs and practices of organizations."
-Karen Snyder, OH Regional Director, Improbable Players
“The MHAC provides a unique and collaborative advocacy platform, uniting traditional and nontraditional stakeholders resulting in great strides for behavioral health reform.”
-Christina Kalnicki, Behavioral Health Initiative Lead-Criminal Justice-Ohio Medicaid, CareSource
“The MHAC is a tireless advocate for people with mental health and addiction issues. The coalition has strong working relationships with leaders in the State and a solid understanding of what is needed for client success. Most importantly they listen to an ever-changing and passionate community, to hear their concerns, prioritizing the top objectives to reduce stigma, so more people seek treatment.”
-Jason Joyce, Executive Director, Hitchcock Center for Women
“The MHAC has always been wonderful with informative communication as well as valuing member feedback.Our agency benefits from our membership with the MHAC through advocacy events, committee meetings and thorough email updates.”
-Ann Robson, Vice President of Clinical Services, Red Oak Behavioral Health
"Our membership with Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition (MHAC) is highly valued. The diverse members allow for cross education and awareness of various topics and experiences. In addition, the legislative knowledge of the MHAC staff fosters advocacy with a united recognized voice.”
-Margo Spence, President & CEO, First Step Home, Inc.
“The MHAC has helped our organization by way of advocacy and collaboration.The advocacy has helped us regionally and in engaging with different partners. It is always helpful to have a bigger base in ways of networking with different agencies. We have also benefited by way of membership meetings and the education we have received for our staff and clients by attending membership meetings on various topics affecting our region and state.“
-Jackie Bruner, Director of Business Operations, Lake County ADAMHS Board
"The MHAC leads the charge in local and state advocacy to raise awareness AND resources for mental health and addictions services. Child Focus has benefited greatly from membership by staying in the loop on legislative agenda, providing congressional testimony and learning about capital grants."
- Tara Keith, Director of Marketing & Development, Child Focus, Inc.
The MHAC works locally and statewide to advocate for better services, systems, and supports for the more than 3 million Ohioans who have a mental health or addiction disorder.
The MHAC conducts and shares research and other information with decision makers and advocates, engaging them in issues that impact Ohioans with mental health and addiction disorders and their families.