Advocacy

Mental Health America of Fredericksburg (MHAfred) volunteers and staff monitor state and federal policies that impact mental health issues locally and maintain strong ties with our representatives in the Virginia General Assembly and Congress. In partnership with Mental Health America affiliates across the Commonwealth and other mental health advocacy organizations, MHAfred advocates for issues to improve the quality of life for persons with mental health needs and their families. MHAfred also serves as an information resource on mental health issues for the media and other community agencies.

Community Outreach

Mental Health America of Fredericksburg’s efforts to reach individuals in the community include:

• Advocacy, individual and public policy, to improve access to mental health treatment services.
• Programs, such as Senior Visitors and Suicide Prevention Education, to serve and educate the public.
• Free support groups available for teens and adults.
• Public education and literature distribution to promote awareness and understanding of mental health to combat stigma and nurture recovery via health fairs and community events.
• Annual Walk for Mental Wellness every May.
• Annual Silent Disco to “Break the Silence” for Suicide Prevention every September.
• MHAfred HELPLINE: an extensive list of local behavioral health providers that is maintained by MHAfred and used to connect individuals and organizations to services.