Changing Minds, Changing Lives! Mental Health America of Illinois is dedicated to promoting mental health, preventing mental illnesses and improving care. Changing Minds, Changing Lives! MHAI is dedicated to promoting mental health, preventing mental illn Founded in 1909, Mental Health America of Illinois (MHAI) is a leading non-profit, statewide organization concerned with the entire spectrum of mental health. MHAI is focused on three core objectives: to advocate, to educate and to serve. MHAI's mission is to promote mental health, work for the prevention of mental illnesses, and improve the care and treatment of persons suffering from mental and emotional disorders.MHAI Advocates by • Developing and supporting policy positions on key mental health issues • Working with legislators, state agencies and other not-for-profit groups to advocate for those policies • Co-founding and leading the Mental Health Summit, a coalition of providers, advocates, legislators, and consumers dedicated to increasing resources for persons with mental illnesses in Illinois • Organizing rallies in Chicago and Springfield MHAI Educates by • Responding to the statewide public demand for current and accurate information about mental health and mental illnesses through our public education campaigns ~ Changing Minds, Changing Lives Campaign, Campaign for Illinois' Mental Health, and the National Institute of Mental Health Outreach Partnership Project • Providing educational information at health fairs • Developing and implementing initiatives that promote good mental health in schools and communities • Implementing prevention programs for children, youth and parents that teach social competency building, problem solving and parenting skills MHAI Serves by • Providing primary sources of educational information and resources for consumers, family members, mental health professionals, legislators and the media on mental and emotional disorders, as well as care, treatment, financial and legal services across the state. • Distributing information and educational materials at health fairs • Responding to the needs of individuals and communities during times of crisis through our network of trained School & Community Assistance Team (S.C.A.T.) volunteers.