Who We Are

 

The Mental Health Association of Greater Chicago (MHAGC) uses education-based strategies to inform students, parents and administrators of techniques to combat mental illness. Strategies including promoting prevention and increasing empowerment are through education, collaboration and support programs.
 

MHAGC is 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was founded in 1957 by an individual named Clifford Beers. Mr. Beers experienced mental health issues through out his life, resulting in his participation in treatment in a variety of mental health settings. He dedicated his life to reducing mental illness, preventing unnecessary hospitalizations, and improving mental health services.

MHAGC continues to honor these causes as well as others. We concentrate our efforts in the development and implementation of educational programs that seek to make emotional wellness a health priority in our schools, homes and communities. Through education, we are attempting to increase mental health knowledge, and reduce the stigma that so often prevents people from seeking help when they need it the most.

 

Our Vision

To significantly reduce the stigma and prejudice associated with mental illness by being the leading national resource provider promoting brain health and developing strategies towards individual mental wellness.

 

Our Mission

To maximize the mental and emotional wellness of the youth, adults and families of our communities by promoting prevention and increasing empowerment through our education, collaboration and support programs.

 

Our Values

We, as MHAGC, dedicate ourselves to carrying out the mission of this organization through a core set of values. We:

1. Recognize that the chief function of MHAGC at all times is to serve the best interests of our constituency.

2. Accept as a personal duty the responsibility to keep up to date on emerging issues and to conduct ourselves with professional competence, fairness, impartiality, efficiency, and effectiveness.

3. Respect the structure and responsibilities of the board of directors, provide them with facts and advice as a basis for their making policy decisions, and uphold and implement policies adopted by the board of directors.

4. Keep the community informed about issues that affect it.

5. Conduct our organizational and operational duties with positive leadership exemplified by open communication, creativity, dedication, and compassion.

6. Exercise whatever discretionary authority we have under the law to carry out the mission of the organization.

7. Serve with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness in carrying out the organization's mission.

8. Demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, honesty, and fortitude in all our activities in order to inspire confidence and trust in our activities.

9. Avoid any interest or activity that is in conflict with the conduct of our official duties.

10. Respect and protect privileged information to which we have access in the course of our official duties.

11. Strive for personal and professional excellence and encourage the professional developments of others.