Mental Health America of Wisconsin
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Mental illness, substance abuse and suicide cross all age, race, gender and socioeconomic boundaries, yet most people affected do not receive the treatment they need. Because these are public health issues that impact the entire community, it is important for members of the community to have comprehensive information, referral resources and services that serve our complex and diverse community. We want all people to understand how to protect and improve their mental health, know when to seek help for themselves or someone close to them, and know where to go for resources and services. Mental Health America of Wisconsin (MHA) addresses these issues by raising awareness about mental health and wellness, reducing the stigma that prevents people from seeking treatment, connecting people to resources and services, and impacting change. MHA is focused on the entire state of Wisconsin, especially rural and underserved populations that face numerous barriers to accessing treatment.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Information and Assistance
Information and Assistance
Each year MHA receives more than 3,700 calls and emails from mental health consumers, family members and professionals with a wide range of questions. Whether the search is for a therapist who accepts Medicaid, a support group, information on a specific illness or how to get help if you don't have insurance, we provide timely assistance.
MHA's web site, locaated at www.mhawisconsin.org(http://www.mhawisconsin.org) , has become an integral part of the Information and Assistance Program. With more than 30,000 hits each month, our web site has become one of the best and most up-to-date ways to reach professionals and the general public.
MHA offers a free and anonymous online screening tool. Screenings are available for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, post-traumatic stress and alcohol use.
In an effort to improve access to mental health care in Southeastern Wisconsin, MHA has created an online directory of local mental health care providers with more than 250 providers.
MHA recently added a Statewide Resources page in the Information section of the web site, listing mental health resources for every county in the state.
MHA's web site maintains an extensive list of area support gtroups that is updated on a regular basis.
Strong Families Healthy Homes
The Strong Families Healthy Homes Program (SFHH) consists of programs and services committed to nurturing and supporting the recovery, strengths and resilience of families when the parent(s) and/or caregiver(s) live with mental illness. These programs are strength-based, family-driven and follow a recovery model of service and a belief that healthy family bonds create natural supports for sustaining wellness.
Public Policy
On a local and statewide level, advocacy keeps the community informed about proposals for the Wisconsin Legislature related to mental health. MHA serves on severak mental heatlh committees including the Governor's Council on Mental Health, Wisconsin United for Mental Health, and the Mental Health Task Force.
Suicide Prevention Initiative
The Suicide Prevention Initiative has helped educate communities all over the state about the prevalance of suicide; how to identify signs of suicide; best practices; and evidence-based prevention and postvention programs.
MHA- Wisconsin Wellness Clinic
MHA-WI Wellness Clinic provides comprehensive outpatient mental health and substance use disorder treatment, including outpatient non-residential treatment services to consumers of all ages. This includes children (ages 0-18) and adults (ages 18 and older) with appropriate staff to meet their needs. MHA-WI Wellness Clinic provides strength-based, client centered and trauma-informed supportive services for individuals, couples and/or family counseling.
Where we work
External reviews
Photos
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
In the United States in any given year nearly 1 in 5 adults lives with a mental illness and nearly 60% of those do not receive the mental health services they need (1). Mood disorders are the third most common cause of hospitalization in the U.S. for both youth and adults (2). Individuals living with serious mental illness also face an increased risk of having chronic medical conditions and co-occurring disorders (3). Adults in the U.S. living with serious mental illness die on average 25 years earlier than others (4). These facts translate to the significant costs of mental illness including loss of productivity, as well as loss of contribution of an individual to the community’s vitality and well-being. Additionally, suicide remains a significant issue. In Wisconsin, from 2007-2011, there were an average of 724 suicide per year. 90% of those who die by suicide have an underlying mental illness (5).
Mental illness affects everyone regardless of culture, race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. However, the 2010 Census data demonstrated increasing diversification of the U.S. population, with notable growth in racial and ethnic minority groups. These shifts occur alongside persistent disparities in mental health status and mental health care for individuals living in poverty and in rural areas. Members of racial and ethnic minority groups in the U.S. are less likely to have access to mental health services, less likely to use community mental health services, more likely to use inpatient hospitalization and emergency rooms, and more likely to receive lower quality care (6).
The issue remains that people are not accessing the mental health care they need before the situation becomes a crisis. This may be because of lack of access to services, poor quality of care, no health care coverage, stigma, language barriers and/or cultural beliefs. It’s important for community members to have choices and supports to help them, and they need to know how to access these services. MHA’s Access Program helps to connect people to resources that will provide prevention and interventions that prove successful in keeping people connected to their families and their community.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
1. Expand statewide suicide prevention efforts using the Zero Suicide framework with specialized populations
2. Increase access to quality care by expanding outpatient mental health and addiction services
3. Provide more online information and resources to specialty populations, including youth and women
4. Strengthen advocacy efforts and continue representing on statewide committees:
5. Governors Mental Health Policy Council
6. Governors Legislative and Policy Council
7. Milwaukee Mental Health Board
8. Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
We are a small nonprofit with limited staff. We receive grants and support to help support others who are doing wonderful work in community-based settings.
As a statewide organization we have developed partnerships with coalitions in more than 50 counties out of the 72 in Wisconsin. We realize there are many organizations doing great work in their community and people trust them. We want to help others increase their capacity by providing support and consultation in the areas of suicide prevention and mental health with lessons learned from previous projects and initiatives to develop models of best practice.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
In 2017
92% report they are better able to identify the stressors in their lives
99% report a reduction in their stress levels
95% report they have increased their skills and can better cope with their stress
Financials
Unlock nonprofit financial insights that will help you make more informed decisions. Try our monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights?
Learn more
about GuideStar Pro.
Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Mental Health America of Wisconsin
Board of directorsas of 04/27/2022
James Hill
No Affiliation
Term: 2019 - 2020
Jim Hill
Milwaukee Center For Independence
Christian Stoll
Aurora Behavioral Health
Martha Pincus
No Affiliation
Jose Torres
No Affiliation
Jim Sutton
No Affiliation
Jennifer Moser
US Bank
Nathan Meier
Anick & Associates
Tracy Oerter
Children's Hospital Wisconsin
Maja Stevanovich
Mungo Creative Group
Bob Wrenn
No Affiliation
Greg Washington
Paston- Immanuel Church
Nikki Winfrey
Manpower Group
Joshua Van Schaick
UWM