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Connecticut Society for Mental Hygiene
In 1908, Clifford Beers founded the Connecticut Society for Mental Hygiene. -
"A Mind That Found Itself"
In 1908, Clifford Beers authored an autobiography that detailed the lives of him and his four siblings, all of which went through psychological distress and were seen and treated at a mental facility. The publishing of this book changed mental health in the United States as it displayed the deeper emotions felt of Beers working through his illness and recovering . Beers would become a prominent figure in the movement to reform the treatment of, and attitudes toward mental health. -
National Mental Health Association
The National Mental Health Association was founded in 1909 and would later change its' name to Mental Health America. Their purpose is to promote mental health while offering early prevention programs and integrated care for all those in need. -
The National Committee for Mental Hygeine
On February 19, 1909, Clifford Beers, a mental health patient himself, founded the National Committee for Mental Hygiene, later to be known as the National Mental Health Association and known today as the Mental Health America. -
Phipps Clinic
Henry Phipps Psychiatric Clinic was opened in 1913. This would be the nation’s first inpatient facility for the mentally ill. -
Model Commitment Laws
In 1920, The National Committee For Mental Hygiene developed a set of model commitment laws that were incorporated into several state statutes. -
First International Congress on Mental Hygiene
On May 24, 1920, the Mental Health America conducted the First International Congress on Mental Hygiene held in Washington D.C., The event brought together over 3,000 people from across 41 countries. -
The National Mental Health Act
July 3, 1946, President Harry Truman passed the National Mental Health Act which called for the finding of the National Institute of Mental Health. -
The Mental Health Bell
On April 13, 1953, located at the McShane Bell Foundry in Baltimore, Md., Mental Health America melted down the inhumane bindings of shackles and chains that were used to restrain individuals and from that mold the Mental Health Bell was created. -
The Mental Health Study Act
The Mental Health Study Act allowed for NIMH to study and make recommendations on various mental health and illnesses within the U.S. The act also sponsored the creation of the Joint Commission on Mental Illness and Health. -
The Community Mental Health Centers Act
Under the presidency of President Kennedy, Congress passed the Community Mental Health Centers Act (CMHC) which authorized building grants for the construction of community mental health centers. -
Only Human
"Only Human" was a movie produced by Mental Health America. It portrayed mental illnesses and gave America a better insight into understanding mental illnesses and better acceptance of those suffering from mental illnesses. -
Protection and Advocacy for the Mentally Ill Act
The purpose of this act was to fully protect individuals with mental illness. -
Homeless in America
“Homeless in America” was a joint photo exhibit ran by Mental Health America and the Families for the Homeless. It connected homelessness with mental health and gave a better insight into what homeless people deal with beyond just a life on the streets. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act protects mentally and physically disabled Americans from discrimination in areas such as employment, public accommodations, transportation, telecommunications, and state and local government services. -
First Conference on The State of Mental Health and Mental Illness in Black America
In joint efforts, Mental Health America, Congressional Black Caucus and the National Institute of Mental Health organized the first conference on The State of Mental Health and Mental Illness in Black America. -
First Ever Child Gay Survey
In 2002 Mental Health America released the first-ever survey of children that concluded from its' findings that 78 percent of teens who were gay or thought of as gay had been teased or bullied. -
Real Men, Real Depression
In 2003, the campaign Real Men. Real Depression was launched. This campaign informed men about depression and seeked to create awareness in men on the symptoms of depression. -
Bipolar Disorder Survey
Mental Health America released survey results on the awareness of the bipolar disorder. Two-thirds of Americans know of this common illness. -
Death Penalty for Juveniles Unconstitutional
With advocacy from the Mental Health America, a landmark Supreme Court ruling declared the death penalty for juvenile offenders unconstitutional. -
Essential Health Benefit in the Affordable Care Act
Mental Health America advocated for the inclusion of mental health patients in the Affordable Care Act. Essential Health Benefits are a set of 10 categories of services health insurance plans must cover under the Affordable Care Act. The categories include doctors' services, hospital care, prescriptions, pregnancy and childbirth, mental health services, etc. -
The Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act
First introduced in 2013 but to no success, Rep. Tim Murphy (R. PA) and Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D. TX) reintroduce the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2015 (“HFMHCA”, HR 2646). The act successfully passed in 2016. -
LGBTQ+ Mental Health
Mental Health America releases "LGBTQ+ Mental Health: Insights from MHA Screening". It highlights the challenges faced today by members of the LGBTQ+ community, especially children and teens.
