Agency Details:

The Mental Health Association of San Francisco is a non-profit citizen's organization dedicated to improving the mental health of residents in the diverse communities of San Francisco through advocacy, education, research and service. In all its programs, MHA-SF works together with people and families challenged by mental illness and with the agencies that serve them to promote prevention, access to services, leadership and independence.

Description:
The work of MHA-SF falls under two main areas: 1) Education and Training - which includes promoting awareness about mental health in the community, sponsoring regular support groups for mental health consumers, advocating to increase and improve mental health services, coordinating educational trainings and workshops for consumers, family members and professionals, and 2) Policy and Advocacy - which includes organizing representation of the needs of people with mental illness at local policy meetings, organizing consumers to advocate for mental health reform, participating in city policy committees, and coordinating collaborative policy coalition groups.

History:
MHA-SF has been a vital part of the San Francisco community since 1947. Central to MHA-SF's mission and throughout its history, is the belief that meaningful change can only be achieved with the active participation of consumers. Mental health consumers must become empowered to advocate for themselves, as they are the best group to educate others and inform and lead systems change. MHA-SF the local affiliate of the National Association of Mental Health (NAMH), the country's largest and oldest organization addressing mental health.

Contact people:

Belinda Lyons, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Michael Gause, Program Director, (phone), (email)

Address:

870 Market Street, Suite 928 San Francisco, CA 94102 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.mha-sf.org

Directions:

MHA-SF is located in the Flood Building, (870 Market Street, ninth floor), at the corner of Powell and Market Streets in San Francisco.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Powell Street BART,   Walk distance (in minutes): 1   Nearest Bus Stop: 5/21, 1 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	No others
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	16
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	Yes

Last updated on March 4, 2010