Navigating Pennsylvania's Mental Health Landscape: Join the Mental Health Partnerships Board
Learn how you can make a meaningful impact by joining the Mental Health Partnerships Board, as this insightful Q&A highlights the role of community leadership in shaping Pennsylvania’s mental health advocacy.
Navigating Pennsylvania's Mental Health Landscape: Join the Mental Health Partnerships Board
Date: January 29, 2024
Author: Brittany Oneill
As we navigate the complex landscape of mental health in Pennsylvania—where 51.9% of adults suffer from untreated mental illness and 25.7% cannot access the full treatment they need—joining the Mental Health Partnerships Board of Directors becomes an active step toward addressing these statistics and supporting our communities.
Check out an insightful Q&A with Mike DeHaven, Treasurer of the Board at Mental Health Partnerships. Mike has been part of MHP since 2017.
How did you become active with Mental Health Partnerships?
Mike: In 2017, a close family member needed mental health services. A friend already serving on MHP’s board introduced me to the organization. At the time, he was chair of the governance and nominating committee and saw value in my experience as a CPA and someone with lived experience. That introduction—and my personal connection—motivated me to join the board and become a community advocate for mental health.
Have you noticed any efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness?
Mike: Yes. I’ve found that more families are talking openly about mental health. It’s no longer the “elephant in the room”—there’s progress in how we address and support one another through these challenges.
What has been your experience serving on the board?
Mike: It has been fulfilling. We have a diverse and collaborative group. Everyone is deeply committed to the work we do and the individuals we serve. I especially appreciate the welcoming, inclusive environment we maintain at MHP—for both our board and participants. It's a space of genuine support and shared mission.
Could you share a success story from your time on the board?
I recently visited MHP’s Project Shares site in Delco and saw the incredible commitment of staff and volunteers. Community members were making meals for participants and people were openly sharing their recovery journeys. The atmosphere was one of mutual support, honesty, and hope—it was deeply moving.
Additionally, I’ve been inspired by the diversity of our board and the collective energy we bring to the mission. It’s a positive, growth-oriented space, and I'm proud to be part of it.
What should someone considering joining the MHP board know?
If you’re thinking about it, know that your unique skills—whether in clinical work, finance, law, or communications—are all incredibly valuable. We’re looking for people who are passionate about mental health advocacy and ready to make an impact.
I also encourage mentoring. I work with a nonprofit in Chester County that has a mentoring program, and I know similar efforts exist in Philadelphia and beyond. Our board members can even serve as mentors for those interested in joining.
“If you’re thinking about joining our board, I believe it could be a sign from God that it’s time to take action. Trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to contact us.” — Mike DeHaven
Related Reading from Our Advocacy Corner
Stay informed and inspired by exploring more stories from our Advocacy Corner. From uplifting community visits to powerful policy insights and personal recovery journeys, these articles spotlight the people and progress shaping mental health advocacy today.
Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities
From peer-led recovery programs to statewide advocacy and education, our work touches thousands of lives every year. These numbers reflect our deep commitment to accessible, compassionate, and person-centered mental health support across Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania.
8,480
individuals and families served
34
active programs across the region
1,106
Peer Specialists trained each year
5,801
people supported through direct services
3000+
individuals reached monthly through homeless outreach
1,573
engaged in community advocacy
Real Stories of Hope and Recovery
We’re here to champion every journey to wellness, offering unwavering support and transformational advocacy. Together, we foster resilience and recovery—so everyone can thrive and live their fullest life in the community, free from barriers to mental health care.
"I'm so grateful for the community that's here and the people that I get to work with in a way that they inspire me every day."
"Every experience I've had with MHP thus far has been great, from the training to being able to get support, a community, sponsorships to go places I never thought I'd go."
"MHP has given me so much, I want to give back."
"Give you your own purpose, you know, just like doing something more. Just a good feeling for me. Now I can be productive."
"MHP has a long history of being a really trusted and reliable resource for peer specialists.
So these experiences already live within your walls."
"The incredible empowerment and the impact that peers have in the field of mental health."
"There's something really, really powerful that happens when you're connecting with someone who's sitting across from you and says, you know, I see you and I hear you. Because I've been there."
"...and just that little click. Wow, it's so powerful just to have somebody who understands exactly how you feel, because we can sympathize all day, but to have somebody else in the room with me, to say, I've done it too, I've experienced that too, allows for a bond that goes beyond words."
"That opened me up to talk to other people so I could coach them and have them get the aha moment again. I did it and I'm glad that I got into new ways of thinking."
"I'm able to be helpful just to know that, like, all that hard work I put through actually paid off."
"And I hope that everybody would get the opportunity to connect with that organization"
"At Mental Health Partnerships. Together..."
"Together..."
"Together..."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"We build hope."
"We build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Period!"
Guiding Principles for Empowerment and Growth
At the heart of our mission lies a steadfast commitment to core values that shape every aspect of our work. These values—rooted in hope, empowerment, and respect—guide us in fostering environments where individuals can thrive, exercise self-determination, and pursue lifelong learning. By embracing a holistic, non-judgmental, and culturally aware approach, we empower individuals to achieve their full potential and contribute to their communities.
Together, We Build Hope
At Mental Health Partnerships, we are dedicated to fostering hope and resilience. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where individuals can regain control of their mental health and live fulfilling lives. We offer personalized care that aligns with your unique needs and helps you connect with a community that cares.
Real Stories of Hope & Gratitude
Hear directly from individuals whose lives have been touched by our programs and services. Whether it’s case management, family support, or peer-led guidance, these stories showcase the power of compassionate care and unwavering belief in every person’s potential for recovery and growth.
Let’s Take the Next Step Together
At MHP, we understand that the journey to mental wellness can feel overwhelming. With peer-led support, proven resources, and a warm, caring community, we’re here to guide you through every step—so you never have to walk this path alone.