Advocacy and Public Policy

MHAF volunteers and staff monitor state and federal policies that impact mental health issues locally and maintain strong ties with our representatives in the Virginia General Assembly and Congress. In partnership with Mental Health Associations across the Commonwealth and other mental health advocacy organizations, MHAF participates in prioritizing the legislative agenda and advocates for issues to improve the quality of life for persons with mental health needs and their families. MHAF also serves as an information resource on mental health issues for the media and other community agencies.

America's Campaign for Mental Health - MHAF is one of 60 national sites selected by the National Mental Health Association to participate in this educational outreach that encourages detection and treatment of common, real mental illnesses - depression, anxiety, eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Prevention Planning Partnership - regional coalition to identify youth needs, map resources, determine gaps, then recommend and develop resources to fill critical needs

VICOMIM - educational events for laity/clergy in partnership with Virginia Interfaith Committee on Mental Illness Ministries to "paint a different picture of mental illness

Partners in Community Mental Health - public, private and nonprofit agencies that collaboratively plan and conduct mental health public education awareness events and national screening initiatives

Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster - charter member of regional coalition convened by Rappahannock United Way to respond to crisis through coordinated community efforts

Health Coalition - regional workgroup to improve access to health services for uninsured and medically underserved populations

Children's Health Coalition - assessment of children's health needs, identification of resources, and suggest solutions tailored to address unmet needs

Behavioral Health Task Force - regional coalition convened to assess needs and improve the coordination of mental health service delivery system

Learn more about MHAF and its service to the community by calling 540-371-2704 or send an email to mhafred@mhafred.org.