Mental Health Association in Pennsylvania (MHAPA)

Mhapa was significantly impacted by the covid-19 pandemic. Meetings, workshops and trainings were either canceled, postponed or held virtually as necessary. State facilities were on lockdown requiring remote activities at certain times. Mhapa continued to provide advocacy in all of the state operated Mental Health facilities and juvenile facilities. The advocates provided assistance and support to individuals receiving services at the state operated facilities, including helping individuals and families with questions, concerns and complaints regarding care and treatment, working to facilitate community living, providing technical assistance education regarding rights, and ensuring the individuals rights while in the facility. Mhapa staff participated in the states review of residential treatment facilities by interviewing the youth receiving services in the facilities. Mhapa staff provided workshops at reentry and transitional housing units in the state correctional institutions. Information presented to inmates who are preparing for release into the community including how to access community Health services and supports, how to navigate Mental assistance and Health insurance options.mhapa provides behavioral Health navigators who assist anyone seeking information and guidance for behavioral Health services and support. Mhapa assisted individuals and organizations regarding Mental Health advance directives (mhads) information and completion.mhapa continued its work to reduce stigma by maintaining and promoting the im the evidence / Mental Health campaign (ite/mh) which is a grassroots campaign to raise awareness that everyone can positively impact the lives in Mental Health recovery.mhapa uses social media including our website, facebook, instagram, and twitter to provide information, promote events and support the work of our partners. Mhapa publishes a quarterly electronic newsletter (newsfeed).