May is Mental Health Awareness Month: please join me in helping those less fortunate.

Join me in supporting Mental Health Advocacy Services (MHAS) during Mental Health Awareness Month.

I joined the board of directors of this incredible organization last year. There are few among us who have not been personally affected by a loved one who suffers from mental illness. The MHAS team works tirelessly day in and day out to aid and support under-served community. I know these are tough times for a lot of folks right now and if you are unable to help out, no worries. But if you are able to make a contribution to MHAS, I will be most grateful. Thank you for your consideration.

MHAS' mission is to protect and advance the rights of low-income people with mental health disabilities. This pandemic has been especially hard on this community who have seen their traditional support systems fundamentally disrupted. Right now, people with mental health disabilities have little or no access to in-house aides or day care services that are part of the fabric of their everyday life. Social distancing is creating feelings of loneliness and isolation that can exacerbate their existing mental health condition. Many also have additional sets of challenges, such as housing or health care issues, that will persist long after the immediate threat of COVID-19 disappears.

While some legal protections have been enacted during this crisis, low-income people with mental health disabilities will also need access to reliable legal advice and representation to help them navigate the intricate web of federal, state, and local policies. Mental Health Advocacy Services (MHAS) provides this work free of charge for more than 3,000 people every year - and we anticipate to serve even more in 2020.

Your gift will ensure that MHAS' clients have the best opportunity of having their rights upheld during and after this pandemic so they can continue thriving. Thank you for your support!