MHA's Blog: Chiming In

Congratulations to Meagan Barnes, who was crowned Mrs. DC America last weekend. She’s chosen to use her platform to raise awareness for mental health issues (and Mental Health America).

Meagan is actively involved in the community and works tirelessly to bring mental health challenges to the forefront of discussions. She is the Founder of an online resource for women suffering from anxiety and panic disorders. She also is a blogger for EmpowHER.com, an award-winning social health company for women. Meagan is also known for hosting a bi-weekly support group where women who have anxiety and panic disorders, can connect with other women and share their stories and journeys. She has been nicknamed “The Angelic Warrior,” by her peers for her bravery in speaking up on issues regarding the mental health state of women.

View an interview she did the morning after her win at http://www.wjla.com/articles/2013/03/meagan-barnes-crowned-mrs-d-c--86361.html

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The nation must build on the attention given mental health that has followed the Newtown tragedy by deploying a public health response and implementing scientific advances that can prevent, identify and effectively treat mental illnesses, experts from Mental Health America assert in the March issue of the journal Health Affairs.

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Mental Health America will host a briefing by policy experts on critical mental health issues and their relationship to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on Thursday, March 7, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Mary Agnes Carey of Kaiser Health News will moderate a distinguished panel, which includes representatives of Mental Health America’s Regional Policy Council (RPC), a network of affiliate leaders who monitor and advocate for ACA implementation efforts in the states.

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Today marks the 104th anniversary of the founding of Mental Health America. Mental Health America was established by Clifford W. Beers. During his stays in public and private institutions, Beers witnessed and was subjected to horrible abuse. From these experiences, Beers set into motion a reform movement that took shape as Mental Health America. To those who suggested that he found his movement anonymously, Beers responded: "I must fight in the open." View this video about our history: http://bit.ly/10ofaMV.

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Fifty years ago, on February 5, 1963, President John F. Kennedy sent a special message to Congress about the state of mental health.The message marked the first time a President of the United States took specific cognizance of mental illness and mental retardation and stated a national policy. Kennedy called for a bold new approach and emphasized the need to develop preventive programs. His statement contributed to meaningful change in the way Americans view mental health care in the United States.

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