Message from the Executive Director and
President of MHA-NYC
Dear Friends,
MHA-NYC's tagline, Your Link to Health, truly reflects the
essence of the organization. We'd like to share with you how
MHA-NYC continues to turn those four words into a life-saving
reality. A bold statement to be sure, but also an honest
assessment.
The mandate of MHA-NYC since its inception in 1964 has only
broadened to meet the increasing mental health needs among an
ever-growing and diversified population. Whether returning
veterans, students at risk on college campuses, teens in crisis,
baby boomers tending their elderly parents, or others-the demands
for help, and to restore hope every day and in times of crisis,
only increase. What has remained constant is our three-part mission
of advocacy, education, and mental health services-a mission which
keeps MHA-NYC focused, responsive, and expansive.
Underlying it all is the compassion of MHA-NYC-a compassion
that, combined with the expertise of the staff, the energetic
leadership of the Board, and the confidence of funders, has
propelled the organization's growth...reflected in an annual budget
of $18+ million (up from $250,000 in 1990).
These are just some of the reasons why MHA-NYC has earned
recognition as a compelling and distinctive link for mental health
and mental wellness in our diverse city and across the country. A
powerful example of this is Link2Health Solutions-the subsidiary of
MHA-NYC created in 2000. Link2Health Solutions is home to the
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline-a network of 140 crisis
centers nationwide. This year, a volunteer in one of those centers
answered the hotline to help the one millionth caller - a
devastating number that only strengthens our commitment to grow so
that anyone who needs help receives it.
Simply put-Your Link to Health is exactly what MHANYC
provides...from linking people in need to mental health
professionals and programs that restore lives, to using innovative
technology that links soldiers returning from war to supportive
care, to linking policy reform locally, statewide, and now
nationally for burgeoning constituencies like the elderly.
Perhaps our proudest link is the one that connects MHA-NYC's
humanity and leadership to continue to serve, advocate, and educate
on behalf of the children, adults, and families who are in
need.
We give our deep appreciation to all the links in the MHA-NYC
chain of staff, Board members, and supporters.
Thank you.
