The act of pleading the cause of another is the primary function of Mental Health America. To achieve this goal, we are actively involved in promoting systems change and in representing individual concerns.

Systems change is achieved by involvement at the national, state and local levels. We are affiliates of National Mental Health America and cooperate with them on changing national policy and procedures and initiating necessary programs and services. 

At the state level, we are members of Mental Health America in Ohio cooperating with other health serving agencies in developing and implementing necessary changes to provide legislative and needed services to our clients. 

We engage in face to face meetings with our state and national legislative representatives to present our concerns and positions on proposed legislation. We also monitor the use of mental health tax dollars in the community. 

We intercede on behalf of clients and their families to address individual needs. We assist consumers in obtaining necessary services. We mediate grievances and complaints and help secure legal assistance if needed. 

We encourage and support research into the causes, treatments, cure and prevention of mental illness and the promotion of mental health. 

We are the voice of the people who cannot speak for themselves, and we are the eyes and ears of the taxpayers in our community.