Mental Health America of Central Virginia
 (formerly the Mental Health Association of Central Virginia)
    An Affiliate of Mental Health America

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Disclaimer Statement

Our mission is to promote mental health and eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness through
 advocacy, education, research, and service for the residents of Central Virginia.

In The News

Announcements

A New Study Confirms the High Percentage of People with Mental Illnesses in America’s Jails
(News from National Reports, June 29, 2009)

A new study done jointly by the Council of State Governments Justice Center and Policy Research Associates has concluded that 14.5 percent of men and 31 percent of women entering prison have serious mental illnesses. To try and end the warehousing of persons with mental illnesses in the nation’s jails and prisons, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) is advocating for full funding of the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act (MIOTCRA), which expands treatment programs and mental health courts.

The results of the study, in the June 2009 issue of Psychiatric Services, are available online at http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/current.dtl. The same issue includes an account of a mother whose call for emergency help for a son who was suicidal led to unfortunate police intervention. Further information about the study can be found at http://consensusproject.org/downloads/PsySJailMHStudy.pdf

The mother’s story can be read at http://consensusproject.org/downloads/PsySpersonalaccount.pdf


Study Clarifies A Depression Risk
(The New York Times, June 2, 2009)

Preventative group programs that teach problem-solving skills to teenagers who have a high-risk of developing depression can reduce that risk, a recent clinical trial shows. The program proved to be much more effective than standard care; however, the success is also dependant on the mental health status of the teenager’s parent at the initiation of the program. One-third of teens in the regular care developed depression during the trial, while only 21 percent of those in the program became depressed. Click here to read more...


Report Finds Rural Mental Health Issues Overlooked
(The Grand Island Independent, May 29, 2009)

Rural Americans remain underserved in terms of health insurance coverage and mental health providers, a new report finds. The Center for Rural Affairs report, “Mental Health: Overlooked and Disregarded in Rural America,” points out that major depression rates in some rural areas significantly exceed those in urban areas.  Click here to read more......

Our VIP Walk is now behind us but we have so many people and companies we want to thank!  Please click here for a wrap up report from our fundraiser.


New Group Forming

Survivors of Suicide Support Group / For those who are grieving the suicide of a loved one.

Tuesdays for 8 weeks beginning  July 7, 2009
5:30pm - 7pm

For more information and to pre-register please call Vicki Sandifer, Program Director, at 434-847-9055.


Wellness Tour (FREE Health Screenings)

AARP and Walgreens have teamed up on a Wellness Tour that is sending 9 buses across the country to deliver free health screenings in more than 3,000 communities.  One of the buses will be in Roanoke, Lynchburg and Salem in July. (see (PDF) flyer for dates and times)

Screenings are available to anyone 18 years of age and older and AARP membership isn't required.  Free screenings include: cholesterol, blood pressure, bone density, glucose levels, waist circumference and body mass index.  No appointment is necessary -- all people need to do is show up at the appointed Walgreens during the hours noted on the schedule. 

Free, one-year AARP memberships will be given to all adults who receive screenings. Participants under the age of 50 may pass on the free membership to an eligible adult, and existing members will receive a one-year extension on their current membership status.

Feel free to print copies of the (PDF) flyer and share with any and all who might benefit from this service.
 

For questions or comments about this site,
email our webmaster or contact us at
Mental Health America of Central Virginia
1010 Miller Park Square
Lynchburg, VA. 24501
phone: 434-847-9055     fax: 434-847-3600