 | 1958
Founded by citizens concerned with the quality and availability of mental health
services. Provided advocacy and legislative action which remains a strong focus for the
organization today.
|
| 1977
Began providing a day-socialization program under contract with the Health Care
Agency, until 1981.
|
| 1982
MHA established Project Return, a network of social, self-help, and support groups.
Groups meet in locations throughout Orange County.
|
| 1984
Established a Patients' Rights Advocacy program, training community volunteers as
advocates to assist involuntarily held psychiatric inpatients in the
probable cause hearing. This continues to be the
only program in the county to protect the rights of patients in hospitals.
|
| 1986
MHA acquired a contract with the county Health Care Agency to establish a north
county drop-in center for the homeless mentally ill.
|
| 1987
Began Vocational Rehabilitation Program to help mental health consumers prepare for
work.
|
| 1990
Independent Living Program started through a grant from the James Irvine
Foundation.
|
| 1992
Began providing homeless outreach services to locate, assess and provide services
to the homeless mentally disabled on the streets.
Opened an additional homeless multi-service center in south Orange County.
|
| 1994
MHA received funding through the local Emergency Food and Shelter Board to provide
emergency shelter to homeless mentally ill adults who fell through the cracks.
MHA responded to the Firestorm in Laguna Beach by providing intensive outreach services to
the homeless who were displaced or otherwise affected by the fire.
MHA received funding to place a mobile outreach unit, leased from the Community
Development Council, into the field to serve the homeless.
Through a contract with the Social Service Agency, established a Social Security outreach
team to assist the homeless mentally ill in the SSI application process.
Thomas F. Riley Community Service Award was established to recognize
outstanding contributors to Mental Health or Orange County.
|
| 1995
As a result of the county bankruptcy, MHA's contract with the
Health Care Agency changed drastically. Outreach services to the
homeless were eliminated, along with the Drop-In Centers. MHA's
facilities in Garden Grove and Costa Mesa were transitioned into
mental health centers serving stable mentally ill persons. Two
consumer clubhouse programs were initiated.
MHA established Meeting of the Minds, a community education event for
families/consumers and professionals.
|
| 1997
Received federal funding to reinstall Outreach services to the
homeless and awarded a county contract to re-establish one homeless
multi-service center.
|
| 1998
Celebrating our 40th anniversary, the Mental Health Association had a
budget of over $2 million, a staff of 50 people, and close to 200
volunteers working to improve lives of those impacted by mental
illness. Over 5,000 individuals received services.
|
|
1999
Through contract with the Health Care Agency, added enhanced
substance abuse education and prevention services to the multi-service
center.
Funding through Orange County's IMPACT program allowed the center to
open at 6:00 am. Participated on the Steering and
Advisory Committees for the Orange County Health Needs Assessment. |
|
2000
In collaboration with NAMI Orange County and the California
Endowment, established a teen support group. |
|
2001
MHA provides intensive case management services to 100 homeless
persons with mental illness. This state funded pilot program,
AB2034, is
the first and only such program in Orange County. |
|
2002
MHA legally settles with City of Santa Ana allowing ongoing
services to the homeless mentally ill in Santa Ana to continue. |
