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The Mental Health Bell The Bell chosen to represent the Mental Health Association of the Rock River Valley, and nationally recognized as the symbol of the mental health movement, is one of the most distinguished bells in the world. Cast from the shackles and chains that once restrained people in mental hospitals, the bell is a dramatic representation of hope, vision, and liberty for people with mental illness. The metal that went into the bell came from mental hospitals in all parts of the country at the request of the National Mental Health Association. It was melted down at McShane Foundry in Baltimore, Maryland on April 13, 1953. Inscribed on the bell are these words:
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Latest News
Check out the Mental Health web log. check out the MHARRV blog Students at Northern Illinois University are nearing completion a project for The Mental Health Association of Rock River Valley. The team has worked hard on this cooperative project, which is the second time NIU has supported the efforts of MHARRV in the past year. The Group Hope program has opened three new chapters in an effort to increase availability, awareness, and cooperation among interested people in the northern Illinois area. The new chapters are in Freeport, Belvidere and Oregon. Please contact us if you would like information about how we can assist you in starting a chapter in your area. Our MissionThe Mental Health Association of the Rock River Valley works to promote mental health, prevent mental illness, provide public information and education, improve care and treatment, and offer hope and support to people experiencing mental and emotional problems. MEMBERSHIP MHARRV members include individuals who have current or past experience with mental illness, family members whose loved ones suffer from mental illness, concerned citizens and businesses, and mental health professionals. With this rich diversity, MHARRV strives to make mental health a top priority in our community and state. AFFILIATIONS MHARRV is an affiliate of the National Mental Health Association, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, and the Mental Health Association of Illinois. Founded in 1909, MHAI is Illinois’ only statewide, non-profit, non-governmental advocacy organization concerned with the entire spectrum of mental and emotional disorders. In addition to our formal affiliations, we strive to foster cooperation and mutual assistance between the local hospitals and numerous mental health providers and agencies in the region. NEED National estimates indicate that 54 million Americans experience a diagnosable mental disorder. That is one of every five people. You know some of them. Currently less than 20 percent of those individuals receive appropriate treatment. ACTIVITIES The Mental Health Association of the Rock River Valley locally and through its affiliations: Offers Hope to people with mental illness through the recovery-based Group Hope program of support groups. The program is designed to supplement the care provided by the mental health community in a cooperative community effort. Serves as a primary source of referral and educational information for family members, legislators, professionals, and the media. Seeks to improve the diagnosis, care, and treatment of children and adults with mental illnesses through its on-site inspections of Illinois state operated psychiatric facilities and community mental health programs. Advocates aggressively for an adequately funded comprehensive community mental health system of care where mental health services are integrated and accessible to all citizens in need. Provides Leadership to those who are working to prevent mental and emotional disorders.Develops and Supports key mental health issues policy positions; trains volunteers to become educated and active advocates in their own communities. Challenges the myths about mental illnesses; attacks prejudices toward persons experiencing mental illness. Contact Information
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Copyright © 2004 Mental Health Association of the Rock River Valley
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