MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION

The Mental Health Association's mission is to promote awareness, understanding and acceptance of mental-health issues through education, services and advocacy.

In 1990 the agency provided a series of workshops and lectures that included "The Americans with Disabilities Act: The Impact on Those with Mental Illness," "Painting a Different Picture: Changing Perspectives of Mental Illness," and "Building Family Strength: The Ultimate Prevention."

The association's primary focus area is Cape Girardeau County, but frequently its programs encompass other Southeast Missouri communities. For any particular program, attendance varies from 15 to 200.

The agency hopes to create a referral guide for mental-health services. Also at least two public education programs are planned. Areas of interest include the impact of alcohol and substance abuse on the family, anxieties and obsessions, and dual diagnosis issues.

Board members also plan to focus on advocacy at the state level with special interest focusing on mandated health-insurance coverage for mental-health treatment.

For more information write P.O. Box 1331, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.