[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 80 (Thursday, June 18, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 18, 1998

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the outstanding 
mental health volunteers and professionals who are being honored by the 
National Mental Health Association at the 1998 Clifford Beard National 
Mental Health Conference. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
acknowledging these outstanding individuals for their efforts in the 
field of mental health. The Mental Health Association of Orange County, 
New York has shown great innovation in the field and were honored at 
this convention.
  The National Mental Health Association is the only organization 
dedicated to addressing all aspects of mental health illness. NMHA 
works with a network of 330 nationwide affiliates to promote mental 
health and prevent mental health disorders, and achieve victory over 
mental illnesses through advocacy, education, research and service.
  For their impressive innovation and creativity, the Mental Health 
Association in Orange County, will receive the NMHA Innovation in 
Programming Award. The Invisible Children's Program works to support 
parents with a diagnosis of a mental illness in their efforts to be the 
best possible parent and to keep the family unit together. Studied by 
researchers throughout the world, this program has served nearly 500 
individuals, lessened hospitalizations, and decreased the numbers of 
children placed in foster care.
  The Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc. seeks to promote 
the mental health and emotional well-being of Orange County residents, 
working toward the prevention of mental illnesses and developmental 
disabilities. In partnership with consumers and their families, MHA 
strives to fulfill its mission through direct services, public 
education, advocacy and responsiveness in times of community emergency.
  The MHA is a private, non-profit organizations which provided free 
mental health service to 22,000 Orange County residents by over 300 
volunteers in 1997. Volunteers answer hotlines, provide companionship, 
direct services, and assist with fundraisers. The Orange County Mental 
Health Association is funded through state, county, and federal grants, 
and is a United Way member agency.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the accomplishments of the 
Orange County Mental Health Association. The members of this 
organizations has provided invaluable services to the residents of our 
county, and is deserving of the honor being bestowed upon them.

                          ____________________