The mission of the Mental Health Association www.mhabroward.org is to promote mental health and victory over mental illness and related challenges through education, prevention, advocacy, research and empowerment.

We accomplish this mission by providing information and referral, children's mentoring programs, parent education and parent support, public and professional education, publications that list community resources, public policy initiatives and support for persons with mental illness and their families.

MHASEFL operates the 9Muses Art Center, a drop-in center and fully-functioning art studio, frame shop and gallery that empowers those with mental illness by offering the opportunity for expression and recovery through the arts. Together, our "Muses" make a different, challenging stigma, embracing expression and creating opportunity via the arts.

This past winter, members of our 9Muses took on the challenge of addressing funding deficits and policy challenges affecting their lives and healthcare. The result was a 30- segment video series ("Like Talking to a Brick Wall" available on You Tube) that reflected the "brick wall" of silence and indifference that they, too often, felt in seeking help.

MHASEFL operates a non-crisis "warm line" offering peer support and telephone reassurance.

MHASEFL is the proud partner for the State of Florida in the National Institute of Mental Health's (NIMH) nationwide outreach program, providing science-based literature and research opportunities.

As MHA of Broward County, the organization has served this area for the past 55 years with free programs and services. Last year, MHA expanded its service area to include Miami- Dade county and became the Mental Health Association of Southeast Florida.

Good mental health is a critical component of one's overall health. MHASEFL invites you to join us in our efforts. Together, we can make a difference.