As I was thinking about my message for this year’s 2022 Impact Report, I kept coming back to the word Emergence. One definition is “the process of coming into being, or of becoming important or prominent.”

While we have always known the importance of our work here at MHA, in a post-pandemic world, our organization has come into its own as a prominent and integral part of the Mecklenburg and Cabarrus communities we serve. Our organization has met the diverse needs with regards to mental health and wellness and is ready to meet the growing challenges ahead.

Pictured: MHA Executive Director Kathy Rogers (right) with the 2022 H. Keith Brunnemer, award winner Keon Lewis, Cabarrus Health Alliance Equity Coordinator and Chairman of the Board for AFSP. The H. Keith Brunnemer Award was given to Lewis for his leadership in mental health and suicide prevention.

MHA has risen to the many challenges that COVID-19 presented to our community and will continue to work to address these issues:

• A rise in youth mental health challenges with the American Academy of Pediatrics and Children’s Hospital Association declaring a state of emergency. In 2022, MHA elevated the message around youth mental health, lifted the voices of young advocates, continued to educate youth, caregivers, and others in suicide prevention, “Stepped Up for Youth” at our 2022 Wake Up for Wellness Event and Annual Legislative Breakfast.

• The continued impacts of racial disparities and access to care for historically marginalized communities. During the pandemic, MHA began paying for short-term counseling for those who are uninsured or underinsured through a network of Cabarrus and Mecklenburg clinicians. In 2022, we began work on an exciting new project—establishing a free counseling center and the creation of an awareness campaign focused on communities of color. MHA continues to expand outreach into the Latino community with bilingual clinicians in our network and our partnership with the Hola, Neighbor! Initiative.

• A changing workforce with employers becoming more and more aware of the mental health challenges employees face. MHA customized workplace wellness workshops in 2021-2022, held Coffee & Conversations at workplaces, and MHA team members served as subject matter experts for workplace mental health issues, including through Catapult (formerly the NC Employers’ Association).

• Addressing the needs of Cabarrus communities has become a key priority of MHA. Through both United Way and Cabarrus ARPA funding, MHA has been able to increase capacity in Cabarrus County and will continue to grow our footprint. A key goal will be to provide increased suicide prevention trainings throughout the County.

As we celebrate our 90th Anniversary in 2023, MHA builds on its rich past and many milestones achieved together with our community partners, volunteers and supporters. We look forward to the future as we continue our emergence as a leader, providing help and offering hope to individuals in our region and beyond.

Sincerely,

Education

MHA’s Educational Programs aim to increase knowledge and awareness surrounding mental health risk factors, signs and symptoms, community mental health resources, and ways to assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis.

Pictured: L to R: MHA Director of Education & Advocacy Kevin Markle and Bilingual Educator Tatiana Leon with MHA’s Salvatore Caraco Mental Health Educator of the Year Jessica Aguilar.

1,189

individuals gained awareness through other Educational offerings such as Coffee & Conversation, Workplace Wellness trainings, Self Care and more; including 114 in Spanish.

194

community members trained in Mental Health First Aid.

813

teens and adults were equipped with QPR suicide prevention skills.

114

Latino/Hispanic community members were reached through QPR and other outreach in Spanish, thanks to MHA’s Bilingual Mental Health Educator and collaborative trainers.

99%

of individuals completing QPR report increase willingness to act to prevent suicide

Compeer

Compeer matches adults living with a mental health diagnosis with compassionate community volunteers who provide one-to-one supportive friendship and mentoring relationships to offset the social isolation and loneliness that can accompany mental illness.

Pictured: MHA Compeer Volunteer of the Year Peter Scheuermann (left) with his friend, Compeer Participant Chris.

128

individuals supported including 29 volunteer friendship matches.

80%

of participants matched with a Compeer volunteer strongly agree they are optimistic about the future.

80%

of participants matched with a Compeer volunteer strongly agree that the friend has had a positive impact on their life.

70%

of participants matched with a Compeer volunteer reported they have been hospitalized less often for mental health issue since being matched.

ParentVOICE: Family Support

ParentVOICE focuses on empowering parents to advocate for their youth living with emotional, behavioral and/or mental health concerns. MHA’s Family Partners help individuals navigate the mental health, education, justice and social services systems.

MHA focused on youth mental health throughout 2022, in response to Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s Advisory and call to action, “Seize this moment, step up for our children and their families in their moment of need, and lead with inclusion, kindness and respect.”

Family Support

Pictured left to right: ParentVOICE Family Partners Kristine Holt and Amy Dickey (second row) with ParentVOICE Volunteer of the Year winner Lisa Esarey, Director of Family & Peer Support Candace Wilson and Executive Director Kathy Rogers.

ParentVOICE

Local Youth on Mental Health Crisis

Counseling and Prevention

157

people received free short-term counseling in Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Counties.

463

people were provided mental health navigation to connect with services.

1,511

individuals took a free, confidential Mental Health Screening Test on MHA’s website in 2022.

36%

of individuals who took a screening test were 11-17 years old; 28% were 18-24 years old.

53%

of individuals who took a screening test were people of color.

76%

of individuals who took a screening test scored positive for moderate or severe symptoms.

Khamik Cardwell, MHA intern and masters of Social Work student at Johnson C. Smith University was named the 2022 MHA Belle Dusseault Hambacher Young Volunteer of the Year award. Khamik exemplifies the meaning of effective social work, having strong interpersonal skills, and being culturally sensitive and self-aware. Like the award’s namesake, Khamik stepped into the unknown with courage, enthusiasm, and compassion, and helped MHA prepare for opening of the free Counseling Center (January 2023). Pictured with Kathy Rogers (right) MHA Clinical Director Megan Bryant (center) who provides supervision to the counselor/interns and the new MHA Counseling Center: Where Mental Health Matters.

All pictures from MHA’s 2023 Chocolate Therapy Volunteer & Top Donor Appreciation Event, in recognition of outstanding 2022 volunteers and partners.

2022 FINANCIALS

Special thanks to all of MHA’s generous donors – individuals, corporations, foundations and County Governments for sustaining support, July 2021-June 2022.

Support & Revenue

Contributions & Grants	$816,253
Mecklenburg County Behavioral Health	$235,000
United Way	$164,119
Special Events/Program Fees/Misc.	$13,203
TOTAL	Total: $1,156,213

Expenses

Program Services	$1,101,299
Fundraising	$74,862
Management & General	$161,116
TOTAL	Total: $1,337,277