MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF MINNESOTA INC

Amanda's Story

Amanda lives with severe depression and anxiety, along with other disorders that have caused significant changes in her cognitive functioning. Because of these changes, she lost her job. In order to pay for insurance and living expenses, she depleted her savings and 401K plan. Then she lost her private health insurance. To pay her medical bills, Amanda used the equity in her house. Eventually, she owed more on the house than it was worth. The house that was once paid off was now nearing foreclosure.

Amanda turned to MHAM for help. She had strong reservations about contacting county social services, doctors, or other agencies, because she feared that those agencies might take away her independence. When she sought help previously, she faced placement in a group home or under guardianship. She knew she could continue to live independently with enough support.

Amanda and her advocate discussed several resources and supports and drafted a prioritized list of tasks. With her advocate's help, Amanda applied for General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) to cover some medical expenses until she was approved for Medical Assistance (MA). The advocate also helped Amanda utilize foreclosure prevention strategies to keep her house and made a referral for a lawyer to help Amanda apply for Social Security benefits. Finally, the advocate provided a letter of support for disability benefits.

Eventually, Amanda was approved for benefits, including back payment from Social Security. With the newly obtained financial safety net and MA, she was able to prevent the loss of her home and focus on treatments for her mental health conditions. Amanda's future goal is to help others who find themselves in similar situations.

MHAM seeks improved lives for people with mental illnesses. This is just one example of how our advocates work with individuals and institutions to enhance mental health, promote individual empowerment, and increase access to treatment and services for persons with mental illnesses. With your help, we can continue to serve individuals and help implement policy changes that result in better outcomes for everyone. _______________________________________________________

Vision Statement Improved lives for people with mental illnesses

Mission Statement The mission of MHAM is to enhance mental health, promote individual empowerment, and increase access to treatment and services for persons with mental illnesses.

We listen to the needs of community members, respond to those needs, and work to make positive changes in the lives of individuals and in public policy.

Our deep concerns about stigma, discrimination, inadequate services, and other challenges have shaped our goals, programs, and results.

• Through our Education Program , we raise awareness of mental health issues in the general public and offer programs and resources to individuals, families, employers, and youth.

• Individual Advocates help individuals and families navigate the mental health system and access community resources for mental health care, housing, employment, and other services.

• Our Issues Advocacy Program focuses on public policy and represents people with mental illnesses to: ensure and maintain parity in health care coverage for mental health; increase funding for community-based services; improve services in local communities through county funding from the state; and ensure due process for social services.