Affiliated Organizations


Survivors Art Foundation

Affiliate: National Mental Health Association (NMHA)

Survivors Art Foundation is pleased to announce its affiliation with the National Mental Health Association 9nmha). Michael M. Faenza, MSSW, President and CEO, is a member of the SAF Board.

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NMHA’s Mission Statement:

The National Mental Health Association (NMHA) is the country’s oldest and largest non-profit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans, especially the 54 million individuals with mental disorders, through advocacy, education, research and service.

NMHA was established in 1909 by former psychiatric patient Clifford W. Beers. During his stays in public and private institutions, Beers witnessed and was subjected to horrible abuse. From these experiences, Beers set into motion a reform movement that took shape as the National Mental Health Association.

NMHA’s work has resulted in positive change. We have educated millions about mental illnesses and reduced barriers to treatment and services. As a result of our efforts, many Americans with mental disorders have sought care and now enjoy fulfilling, productive lives in their communities.

NMHA’s successes have been possible because of what makes us unique as an organization. Our network of 340 affiliates provides a strategic local presence for our advocacy and education efforts. NMHA is a strong voice on the federal, state and local levels for policies that expand opportunities for people with mental illness. NMHA represents a diverse network of mental health consumers, family members, providers, and other stakeholders who embrace our public health perspective. NMHA places a special emphasis on children’s mental health, and promotes the importance of mental health in all aspects of health and in all stages of life, from birth through old age.


Michael M. Faenza, MSSW
President and CEO, National Mental Health Association; Member SAF Board

Following over 15 years of experience providing direct service to children and adults with mental disorders, Mr. Faenza has spent the past decade focusing on legislative advocacy and improving societyís commitment to helping people with mental illness.

A social worker by training, Mr. Faenza brings a public health perspective to issues of individual and community mental health. He has held clinical and management positions in public sector mental health services, child protective services, juvenile justice and vocational rehabilitation.

Mr. Faenza holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Sociology from Indiana University and a Masters of Science in Social Work degree from the University of Texas in Arlington. He currently serves on the National Assembly of Health and Human Service Organizations Board of Directors, was a member of the Planning Board for the Surgeon Generalís Report on Mental Health and is currently a member of the United Way of Americaís Leadership 18. Mr. Faenza has received the Excellence in National Executive Leadership Award from the National Assembly in 1999.

For almost a century, the National Mental Health Association has worked to promote mental health, prevent mental disorders, and achieve victory over mental illness through advocacy, education, research and service. NMHA has 340 affiliates nationwide serving more than two million individuals.


URL: http://www.nmha.org


National Mental Health Association
Annual Conference, June 2001
Featuring Survivors Art Foundation Artworks

The National Mental Health Association (NMHA) Capitol Hill Reception took place on June 7, 2001 in the Dirksen Senate Building on Capitol Hill Washington, DC. This event is the crowning event for NMHA’s Advocacy Day during the annual National Mental Health Association Conference and will feature a special “Into the Light” Award presentation to Dr. Alvin Poussaint. The “Into the Light” Award honors individuals who have performed outstanding service in bringing the issues of mental health and mental illness to the fore in America. NMHA is proud to honor Alvin F. Poussaint, M.D., for his remarkable work to eliminate disparities and injustices in mental health treatment for African Americans and all people of color. Throughout his career, he has opened new vistas of opportunity and responsibility for the broader mental health movement and has sought to realize more fully a healthier America. With this award, Dr. Poussaint will join an illustrious group of past recipients including Tipper Gore, Rosalynn Carter, Elizabeth Dole, Alan I. Leshner, Ph.D., Steven E. Hyman, M.D., and Surgeon General David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D.

The Survivors Art Foundation provided a magnificent Art Exhibition for this event. Candyce Brokaw, Executive Director of SAF delivered a keynote address as well.

NMHA’s conference attendees joined Members of Congress, representatives from the Bush Administration, mental health advocates, foundation leaders and other dignitaries for this annual tribute. View excerpts of the conference online.