The Mental Health Association of Palm Beach County is a leading advocacy voice for children and adults with mental illness and their families. I have volunteered my time to the organization for three years because, as a parent to a young man with serious mental illness, I understand how important organizations like MHAPBC are. Its promotion of health and mental health care integration, its prevention work with young children, and its peer services are all exactly the kinds of programs that are needed to prevent and mitigate the effects of serious, chronic conditions like PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Sadly, mental health budgets have been cut by state and local governments throughout the country in recent years, leaving many people with serious mental illness homeless or worse. Now, more than ever, MHAPBC needs the support of citizens who care.

I have had the pleasure of working with FAPHN during the past two years to promote public health in the state of Florida. Its members hail from around the state, and are the front line professionals assuring the health and well-being of all of the residents of the state. Many have experienced first-hand cuts to their budgets and programs during these difficult financial times, but all work tirelessly to minimize the effects of these cuts on the people they serve. They assist infants and young mothers, make certain that our water is clean, our children are immunized, and our neighborhoods are safe. They come together through FAPHN to share ideas, to support one another, and to recognize excellence in the field. They make a difference every day.