Mental Health Association Of Southern Tier Inc

Crisis intervention- crisis intervention services is a community partnership of law enforcement, mental health professionals, consumers and their families. The goal of the program is to help indivduals with mental illnesses access medical and/or community based treatment rather than place them in the criminial justice system. The mobile team accompanies the police on 911 calls for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Individuals are then assessed for risk to self or others and connected with appropriate referrals and resources. The program also provides ongoing mental health training to law enforecement officials.

Sunrise wellness center- the sunrise wellness center is a peer run program promoting recovery for individuals with mental health diagnoses. The program encourages a self-directed approach to mental health services, and promotes mental, physical, and spiritual wellness.

Supportive crisis stabilization center- the mental health association of the southern tier partnered with care compass to establish a new supportive crisis stabilization center. The goal of the space is to help individuals that experience mental health or substance abuse disorder related crisis.

Peer advocacy- the advocacy program encourages and promotes self-help and peer support. These services help to empower recipients to become self-directed and to maintain a healthy recovery process. The advocacy program utilizes walk-in hours, meetings, and presentations to provide opportunities and give information to consumers. The advocacy program is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of recipients by aiding them in their personal struggle against stigma. Peer advocates help recipients to realize their personal strengths, wich allows them to succeed. Assistance is also available i n immediated and long-term goals such as financial stability, house issues and further education.

Outreach & education- the mental association of the southern tier works closely with various organizations to raise, not only funds, but awareness of our mission and the wonderful work we do to help those in need of support, education, and advocacy. In addition to the events we organize in-house, others are organized by community members to benefit mhast: binghamton pond festival, timm's memorial golf tournament, windgs of hope and rock against suicide. In 2018, new york state passed an unprecendented law mandating mental health education in all schools k-12 and we have been given more opportunity to speak to the students about difd power to the purple to promote important conversations and to break down the stigma associated mental illness. The organization continues to offer mental health first aid, an eight-hour course that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to people who are struggling with mental health or substance use challenges and connect them with appropriate support when necessary.