About MHA — Mental Health America of Dubuque County

Founded in 1909, Mental Health America is the nation's leading national nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of mental health, well-being, and condition prevention. For over 115 years, our work has been informed, designed, and led by the lived experience of those most affected.

Who We Are

The Dubuque chapter of Mental Health America has been around for over 60 years. Founded in 1957, MHA of Dubuque County has been a steady force in the community to bring people together who are passionate about mental health.

MHA DBQ MISSION

The mission of Mental Health America of Dubuque County is to increase awareness and decrease stigma by educating the community and promoting proactive policy that supports mental wellness and overall brain health.

MHA DBQ VISION

The vision of Mental Health America of Dubuque County is to improve access to integrated mental health resources, enhance resiliency and improve the many paths toward recovery.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

There is no health without mental health.
Mental health is a fundamental social justice issue.
Disparities in treatment and the disproportionality of burden must be eradicated.
Mental Health struggles cannot be willed away or ignored
MHA represents a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities
MHA emphasizes recovery from mental health and substance use struggles.

MHA NATIONAL

Mental Health America National was founded in 1909 by 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 and is known today as Mental Health America.

Mental Health America National is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental health struggles and promoting the overall brain health of all. MHA’s work is driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services, and supports for those who need them; with recovery as the goal.

Our Board

**Vicki Gassman, President**
Membership Committee, Education Communication Committee

**Brenna Burgart, Vice-President**
Education and Communication Committee, Fundraising, Membership

Stephanie Mettille, Treasurer Membership Committee — **Stephanie Mettille, Treasurer**
Membership Committee

**Jo Grabow,**
Education & Fundraising Committee

Cindy Hess, Fundraising Committee Co-Chair Fundraising & Scholarship Committee — **Cindy Hess, Fundraising Committee Co-Chair**
Fundraising & Scholarship Committee

Kim Nelson, Fundraising Committee Co-Chair Fundraising Committee — **Kim Nelson, Fundraising Committee Co-Chair**
Fundraising Committee

**Sue Whitty, Legislative Chair**
Legislative Advocacy Committee

Laura Hoffmann Membership Committee — **Laura Hoffmann**
Membership Committee

**Lavi Aviles-trahl**
Education and Communication Committee

**Sabrina Vonderhaar**
Communication Committee

**Courtney Chaffee**

Education and Fundraising Committees

**Beth Hemmer**
Membership and Fundraising Committees

**Diane Heiken**

Membership and Fundraising Committee

**Ellen Schardt**
Membership, Education Fundraising Committee

The Bell Story

During the early days of mental health treatment, asylums often restrained persons with mental health struggles by iron chains and shackles around their ankles and wrists. With better understanding and treatments, this cruel practice eventually stopped.
In the early 1950's, Mental Health America (then known as the National Mental Health Association) issued a call to asylums across the country for their discarded chains and shackles. On April 13, 1953, the McShane Bell Foundry in Baltimore, MD, MHA melted down these inhumane bindings and recast them into a sign of hope: The Mental Health Bell.
Now the symbol of MHA, the 300-pound bell serves as a powerful reminder that the invisible chains of misunderstanding and discrimination continue to bind people that experience brain health issues. Today, the Mental health Bell rings out hope for improving mental health and achieving victory over mental health struggles.
Over the years, national mental health leaders and other prominent individuals have run the Bell to mark the continued fight for victory for brain health.