History of the MHAHC

Mental Health America of Hancock County is the new name of the Mental Health Association of Hancock County.

As early as 1954 a County Mental Health Committee of the Indiana Mental Health Association had conducted yearly fund drives. Mrs. Dallas Barnhart and Mr. Warren O'Hara were two of the early fund drive chairmen. They worked with Margorie Walker, who was connected with the Indianapolis office.

The Mental Health Association became affiliated with other county chapters in the Indiana Association on July 29, 1957. Upon the urging and advice of the director of the Indiana Association, Don Wideman, an organizational meeting was held under the direction of Vaughn Beatty, presiding officer. Officers were elected and by-laws were adopted. Helen Taylor was elected as President; Barton Moses, Vice-President; Freeman Wilson, Treasurer; and Barbara Gilson, Secretary.

In 1958 the Board of Directors voted to become part of the Hancock County United Fund, and in 1962 they voted to become part of the Greater Indianapolis Fund.

Mrs. Barnhart was a pioneer in the work of the organization. With some of the members of her church WSCS and township Farm Bureau, she took part in the first gift collection in the county for patients at New Castle State Hospital. Other early volunteers in the Christmas program were Mrs. Russell Jacobs, Barbara Gilson, and Alice Bueter. The Adopt-A- Patient was one of the earliest activities of the Association. The Gold Ladies Volunteer program started in 1964. Two of the early Gold Volunteers were Luretta Hewitt and Joannie Bowen.

The County Association also sponsored many workshops, including an opera workshop given by the students of Indiana University for patients at Madison State Hospital. other workshops included ministerial workshops in 1959 and 1965; law enforcement workshops for sheriffs and judges in 1960 and 1964 stressing the use of the security rooms at the hospital instead of housing patients in jail while awaiting commitment to the State Hospital; and an educational workshop for teachers in 1967 with emphasis on emotionally disturbed children at school.

The County Committee contributed to the Muskatatuck Hospital and to the Easter Program at the Fort Wayne Mental Hospital. Two security rooms at the Memorial Hospital were furnished in 1964 at a cost of $1793.50. Contributions of supplies were given for several years for the Halloween carnivals and June picnics at the New Castle State Hospital. Other contributions over the years have included a large electric corn popper, a record player, an Ice Cone machine, and a swing set for their recreation department.

In 1961 the Board of Directors voted to employ an Executive Secretary to work two half-days (6) hours a week at a salary of $600.00 a year. Helen Ogg was the first Executive Secretary, with an office in the County Court House in a portion of the room used by the Planning Commission. When the new Superior Court Room was built, it was necessary to move the office to the second floor of the Memorial Building.

In 1980, the Board of Directors voted to change from an Executive Secretary to an Executive Director to meet the increased needs of the mentally ill population and mental wellness issues. Ann Osborne was hired as Executive Director in June 1981. Within a few years, office hours were extended with a secretary added to assist the director.

Today, the Mental Health America in Hancock County plays a leadership role in child and adolescent needs and services, drug and alcohol abuse prevention, mental wellness issues, and support groups for special needs. The Christmas Gift Lift program provides for clients of Gallahue Mental Health Services, Hancock County Senior Services, as well as residents of Snug Harbor and other nursing homes in Hancock County. Volunteer services continue to be an important part of the Association, providing support to our programs like the Christmas Gift Lift, as well as volunteer office help, and assistance with support groups. Please contact us to volunteer now!

Advocacy on behalf of the mentally ill will always be the priority of the Association. We work with our elected officials to ensure adequate funding for needed services and advocate locally for persons in need.

As an United Way Agency the Mental Health America in Hancock County is expected to raise a portion of our budget. We accomplish this in several ways: "Send A Hug" in February, Pennsy Trail Art Fair and Blue Grass Music Festival on Saturday June 4th, and our "Ducky Derby" during the first full weekend in October. We also have a Membership Drive in May.

PROUD RECIPIENT OF THE
INNOVATIVE
PROGRAMMING
AWARD!

Mental Health America of Hancock County

98 E. North Street

Greenfield, IN 46140

Telephone and Fax (317) 462-2877

email: help@mhahc.org

"Working for America's Mental Health"

©Copyright 1999-2008 Mental Health America of Hancock County, Indiana, USA. All rights reserved.