The Mental Health Association of NW PA (MHA) is organized for, and by, people living in recovery with a mental illness. This consumer-driven and consumer-run organization provides an atmosphere where persons with mental health needs develop and operate peer-based support programs. The MHA board of directors must reflect a minimum 51% consumer representation, and 75% of its staff are persons in mental health recovery. This is part of MHA's commitment to support and promote mental health recovery within the region, while helping to dispel the public perception of people with mental illnesses as having little hope and no future, to one of meaning as valued members of our community.

The MHA offers a variety of programs and opportunities from support groups and recreational activities to volunteer roles, formal peer support, and self-advocacy. Persons diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other serious behavioral health issues find a place to share life experiences and the profound opportunity to talk amongst themselves about their hopes and dreams in life. By offering opportunities to re-engage with the community through attendance at special events, participation in empowerment activities, or establishing a home for oneself, consumers find personal growth and renewed confidence to take control of their lives.

“The future for the Mental Health Association is bright,” says Bill Grove, CEO of MHA. “The support for economical and effective peer based services on the local, regional and national levels continues to grow as these programs offer unqualified hope for recovery.” As consumers develop meaningful relationships with their peers and the community, the fight against the stigma of mental illness will be won. This is something that the Mental Health Association will strive for — for years to come.The Mental Health Association of NW PA (MHA) is organized for, and by, people living in recovery with a mental illness. This consumer-driven and consumer-run organization provides an atmosphere where persons with mental health needs develop and operate peer-based support programs. The MHA board of directors must reflect a minimum 51% consumer representation, and 75% of its staff are persons in mental health recovery. This is part of MHA's commitment to support and promote mental health recovery within the region, while helping to dispel the public perception of people with mental illnesses as having little hope and no future, to one of meaning as valued members of our community.

The MHA offers a variety of programs and opportunities from support groups and recreational activities to volunteer roles, formal peer support, and self-advocacy. Persons diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other serious behavioral health issues find a place to share life experiences and the profound opportunity to talk amongst themselves about their hopes and dreams in life. By offering opportunities to re-engage with the community through attendance at special events, participation in empowerment activities, or establishing a home for oneself, consumers find personal growth and renewed confidence to take control of their lives.

“The future for the Mental Health Association is bright,” says Bill Grove, CEO of MHA. “The support for economical and effective peer based services on the local, regional and national levels continues to grow as these programs offer unqualified hope for recovery.” As consumers develop meaningful relationships with their peers and the community, the fight against the stigma of mental illness will be won. This is something that the Mental Health Association will strive for — for years to come.