Welcome to the Mental Health Association of Frederick County!
August 4, 2011
The staff of the Mental Health Association can hardly contain our excitement at taking the next step toward moving into our new building at 226 South Jefferson Street. Complete renovation of the building is slated to begin in August 2011, with a move-in date of February 2012. The new building will provide ample free parking for clients and staff, easy Transit access, handicapped accessibility, and a lot more space to provide our services to the community. It’s not too late to help make this long-held dream a reality: click on the links on the upper right to learn how you can be a part of our Making Room for Mental Health Capital Campaign.
The Mental Health Association (MHA) promotes mental wellness and supports those with mental illness by providing advocacy, education and direct service programs. Founded in 1965, MHA is a private, nonprofit agency serving Frederick, Washington, Allegany, Garrett and Carroll County residents.
MHA currently provides over 15 major programs for children, youth, families and senior adults. We pride ourselves on always being available, accessible, and responsive to the changing needs of our community.
Please take time to learn a little more about MHA on these pages. To request services, provide feedback about our website, or to sign up for our e-newsletter, please click “Contact Us” at the bottom of this page.
Thank you for your interest in the mental health of our community!
Sincerely,
Patricia G. Hanberry M.A.
Chief Executive Officer
The Mental Health Association is pleased to announce our collaboration with the United Way of Frederick County, Heartly House, Frederick County Public Schools and CALM Mediation to educate our community about the issue of bullying and to rally the community to STOP BULLYING.
The collaboration formed out of our mutual concern about the toll bullying takes on young lives and, therefore, our whole community. We are concerned because bullying is so prevalent – an estimated 30% of our children are involved as either victims or perpetrators or both. More critically, bullying is so often linked to youth suicide; we believe that up to half of youth suicides can be linked to bullying, and bullying almost always results in long-term emotional distress.
The group is taking a three-pronged approach to address this issue:
· Education: We have developed a packet of materials which can be found online here or a paper copy can be obtained by calling 2-1-1. They are also available in all school counseling offices. The packet includes statistics about bullying, tips for kids on how to respond to and report bullying; help for parents and educators in talking to children about bullying, and lots of resources for additional information.
· Resources: Anyone can call 2-1-1 to find resources related to bullying, including school and community educational presentations. The packet includes a list of web sites and organization contacts as well.
· Support: The bullied, bullies, parents and educators can call 2-1-1 any time day or night to talk about their concerns and how to deal with them.
The Mental Health Association also is in the process of developing an online chat tool aimed specifically at young people who have been bullied, are perpetrators, or both. The group will sponsor an event in the fall of 2011 to kick off the initiative, educating the public about the use of 2-1-1 and the availability of the packet.
What Can I Do To Help Stop Bullying?
· Number One: Don’t be a bystander. It is up to everyone, not just children in the schools, to intervene when they see that someone is being bullied.
· Number Two: Set a good example. It is up to adults to model civil behavior by refraining from engaging in bullying behavior with their words or actions.
· Number Three: Educate yourself about the problem and possible solutions by reading the packet of information.
· Number Four: Join “Stop Bullying. A Community Response”. We welcome the participation of anyone who is as concerned about the problem as we are.
MHA Bursting at the Seams
The Mental Health Association of Frederick County has been bursting at the seams, but thanks to funds raised over the past couple of years the organization has begun renovations on a new Frederick facility. Find out more. Work officially began on September 7, 2011 when a groundbreaking celebration was held at the new facility. The rain stopped long enough for officials armed with crowbars (painted gold of course) to pull down part of the old facade to make room for the new. Check out this recent Frederick News Post article.14th Annual Catoctin Affair
The 14th Annual Catoctin Affair: A Benefit for the Mental Health Association will be held on Friday, March 23, 2012 from 6:30-11:30pm in the Grand Ballroom at Holiday Inn. Enjoy gourmet fare from Frederick’s most exclusive restaurants and caterers. The evening’s delights continue with dancing, music and both live and silent auctions featuring an extensive variety of fabulous items. A complete line-up of cuisine and auction items is posted to our web site at www.catoctinaffair.com.
Need Help?
Call 2-1-1
In Crisis?
301.662.2255 (local)
800.422.0009 (statewide) Services available in over 150 languages
Call 2-1-1
In Crisis?
301.662.2255 (local)
800.422.0009 (statewide) Services available in over 150 languages
Find a Counselor
Find a counselor in Frederick County that serves your needs
Find Referrals
For Information and Referrals in over 150 Languages. 2-1-1 cuts through the confusion and links callers to the health and human services they need. Call 2-1-1 from your telephone or go to www.211md.org.
Get a Guide Book
Receive a 2011 Guide to Mental Health and Community Health ServicesIncluye Guía de Servicios Sociales Básicos
The Guide to Mental Health and Community Support Resources lists licensed mental health professionals, psychiatric facilities, and over 300 community support services agencies.
Mental Health Association of Frederick County
