Skip to content
CALL US AT 260-422-6441
  • DONATE
  • FACEBOOKFACEBOOK
  • INSTAGRAM
  • LINKEDIN
  • EMAILEMAIL
Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana Logo Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana Logo
  • COVID-19 & Mental Health
  • About Us
    • Our Mission & Vision
    • Our History
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Financials
    • Careers
  • Our Services
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Mental Health Information
    • Mental Health Training
    • Workplace Wellness
    • Peer Support
    • Recovery Classes
    • Guardianship
    • Certified Recovery Specialist Certification
  • News & Events
    • News
    • Events
    • Mental Health Awareness Month
    • Mental Wellness Works
    • Art of Hope
  • Support Our Mission
    • Make Hope Possible
    • Donate
    • Sponsor an Event
    • Volunteering & Internships
    • Our Supporters & Partners
    • Donors
  • Contact Us
  • COVID-19 & Mental Health
  • About Us
    • Our Mission & Vision
    • Our History
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Financials
    • Careers
  • Our Services
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Mental Health Information
    • Mental Health Training
    • Workplace Wellness
    • Peer Support
    • Recovery Classes
    • Guardianship
    • Certified Recovery Specialist Certification
  • News & Events
    • News
    • Events
    • Mental Health Awareness Month
    • Mental Wellness Works
    • Art of Hope
  • Support Our Mission
    • Make Hope Possible
    • Donate
    • Sponsor an Event
    • Volunteering & Internships
    • Our Supporters & Partners
    • Donors
  • Contact Us

Our History

Home/History
HistoryMHA Staff2022-02-22T22:21:37+00:00

1953

During the early days of mental health treatment, asylums often restrained people who had mental illnesses with iron chains and shackles around their ankles and wrists. With better understanding and treatments, this cruel practice eventually stopped.

In the early 1950s, Mental Health America issued a call to asylums across the country for their discarded chains and shackles. On April 13, 1953, at the McShane Bell Foundry in Baltimore, Md., Mental Health America melted down these inhumane bindings and recast them into a sign of hope: the Mental Health Bell.

Now the symbol of Mental Health America, the 300-pound Bell serves as a powerful reminder that the invisible chains of misunderstanding and discrimination continue to bind people with mental illnesses. Today, the Mental Health Bell rings out hope for improving mental health and achieving victory over mental illnesses.

Cast from shackles which bound them, this bell shall ring out hope for the mentally ill and victory over mental illness.

— Inscription on Mental Health Bell

1954

The Allen County Association for Mental Health is founded. The association began with efforts to improve public understanding of mental illness and public acceptance of persons with mental illnesses. These efforts became especially important following massive deinstitutionalization of individuals with mental health conditions starting in 1955.

1984

The association became affiliated with the national organization Mental Health Association, the nation’s oldest mental health advocacy organization. The organization changed its name to Mental Health Association of Allen County (MHAAC).

1986

The Mental Health Association of Allen County began the adult guardianship program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities leaving the State Developmental Center. The state of Indiana subcontracted with MHAAC to have client advocacy staff investigate neglect, self-neglect, abuse and exploitation of individuals with disabilities and elderly individuals from 1987 through 2004.

2012

MHAAC began hosting Lunch and Learn workshops and lectures every other month. These lectures cover a variety of mental health topics for professionals and the general public.

2016

MHAAC expanded services to provide education and support throughout 11 counties in Northeast Indiana and officially changed its name to Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana. The new name is a reflection of the organization’s commitment to helping the entire Northeast Indiana region improve mental health.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Mental Health America
of Northeast Indiana
3201 Stellhorn Rd, Suite C101
Fort Wayne, IN 46815
(260) 422-6441

Disclaimer

Disclaimer

Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana is a non-profit organization that provides information on mental health resources and educational programs. This website does not provide medical advice and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For an accurate diagnosis of a mental health disorder, you should seek an evaluation from a qualified mental health professional. If you feel you're experiencing a potentially life-threatening problem, please call 9-1-1 or the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255).
Privacy Policy
Donate
Diversity Policy
Careers
Contact Us
Financials
Peer Support
Resources
Sitemap
Volunteer

Diversity Policy

Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana, Inc. values, supports, and respects the diversity of our community. As representatives of the organization, the Board of Directors and staff members will act in ways that protect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every person. The organization is committed fostering diversity and inclusiveness. MHANI will invest and promote participation in programs that are designed to support a diverse population.

The following policy has been adopted:

All persons seeking services or employment will not be denied access based upon gender, gender identity/expression, race, color, religious creed, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, Vietnam-Era or disabled military service, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by federal and state law. (Title VI-Title VII Of The Civil Rights Act Of 1964)

Contact Us

National Guardianship Association

Sign Up for Our Emails

© Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana | All Rights Reserved | Designer
Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana
  • COVID-19 & Mental Health
  • About Us
    • Our Mission & Vision
    • Our History
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Financials
    • Careers
  • Our Services
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Mental Health Information
    • Mental Health Training
    • Workplace Wellness
    • Peer Support
    • Recovery Classes
    • Guardianship
    • Certified Recovery Specialist Certification
  • News & Events
    • News
    • Events
    • Mental Health Awareness Month
    • Mental Wellness Works
    • Art of Hope
  • Support Our Mission
    • Make Hope Possible
    • Donate
    • Sponsor an Event
    • Volunteering & Internships
    • Our Supporters & Partners
    • Donors
  • Contact Us
Go to Top