Navigating Pennsylvania's Mental Health Landscape: Join the Mental Health Partnerships Board
As we navigate the complex landscape of mental health in Pennsylvania, where 51.9% of adults suffer from untreated mental illness, and 25.7% cannot access the full treatment they need, joining the Mental Health Partnerships Board of Directors becomes an active step toward addressing these statistics - but more importantly our community.
Check out an insightful Q&A with Mike DeHaven, Board of Directors Treasurer at Mental Health Partnerships. DeHaven has been an instrumental part of the MHP team since 2017.
How did you become active with Mental Health Partnerships?
Mike: In 2017, my connection with Mental Health Partnerships (MHP) began when a close family member needed mental health services. A friend of mine, who was already on the board, introduced me to MHP during the time my family member needed assistance. This friend, who was chair of the governance and nominating committee, saw the value of my expertise as both a certified public accountant and a family member with lived experience. Encouraged by his support, I made the decision to join the board. This personal experience fueled my passion to make a difference, ultimately leading me to become an advocate for mental health in our community.
Since you joined the board, have you noticed any efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness?
Mike: In my experiences since joining the board, I've discovered that numerous families are affected by mental health in various ways. The positive trend I've observed is that families are increasingly opening up about it instead of considering it the metaphorical “elephant in the room.”
What has been your experience serving on the board?
Mike: It has been great. We have a diverse group with varied backgrounds, and everyone collaborates really well. We all share a strong commitment to the work we do and the participants we serve. I find it fulfilling, and I believe we have a cohesive team poised to further enhance the services we offer.
I applauded MHP's commitment to diversity and inclusion, both within the board and the organization, I want to highlight the welcoming environment we strive to maintain for participants of all backgrounds. Our open-door policy ensures that we provide love and support to everyone we encounter, creating an inclusive space for all.
Could you share a success story of time serving on the board?
During a recent visit to one of MHP's sites, Project Shares in Delco, I witnessed the unwavering dedication of the staff and volunteers. MHP's impact on the lives of its participants is truly remarkable. Also, it was wonderful to see community members volunteer to make food for participants, demonstrating people's commitment to helping those in recovery.
The spirit in the room was amazing. People were helping each other and being open and honest about their struggles.
Also, reflecting on my time on the board, I am struck by the diversity of our members and our collective dedication to MHP's mission. The supportive environment we've cultivated fosters a positive atmosphere that propels the organization's growth, making it an inspiring space to be a part of.
Be Inspired by Project Shares
What information would be helpful for someone who is thinking about becoming a member of the MHP board to know?
For those considering joining the board and becoming advocates for mental health, I encourage you to bring your diverse skill sets to the table. We seek individuals with clinical expertise, financial proficiency, legal knowledge, and public relations skills. The richness of these skills ensures the robustness and effectiveness of our board in tackling mental health challenges.
I am actively involved in Chester County, where I reside, with a nonprofit that runs a mentoring program. Philadelphia has similar programs, and I assume the surrounding counties do as well. If someone is looking to be a future board member, I highly recommend mentoring, and our board members can mentor you as well.
“If you’re thinking about joining our board, I believe it could be a sign from God that it’s time to take action. Trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to contact us.”
