Advocacy

What is advocacy? To be an advocate is to be more than a cheerleader for a particular cause—in this case, mental health. For us, it means educating the community, as well as policy makers, about the complexities of mental health, offering a variety of supporting programs and resources to those who need it most, and changing the perceptions that surround individuals and families affected by mental illness.


There are several different types of advocacy. Each type uses a different approach to achieve a common goal—improving mental health.

System Advocacy

System advocacy seeks to influence community-based systems, as well as political systems in such a way that change occurs for the benefit of a group of people. System advocacy is the type of advocacy carried out by MHA of Central Carolinas.

Individual Advocacy

This type of advocacy is performed when an agency or a person works on behalf of an individual.

Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy is demonstrated when an individual resolves his or her own concerns. This might be supported through personal research and actions designed for improving a condition.


To learn more about our advocacy efforts and accomplishments, sign up to receive our free Advocacy Updates and Legislative Alerts.

Contact Elected Officials

Become an advocate for mental health. Share your concern about a particular mental health topic or the mental health system with your elected officials. Our officials want to hear from you! (Please note: click each of the lines below is a link to the appropriate categories and contact information may be found on the government websites.)


Board of Commissioners, Mecklenburg County


Board of Commissioners, Cabarrus County

  

North Carolina General Assembly


House Members - Mecklenburg County


House Members - Cabarrus County


Senate Members - Mecklenburg County


Senate Members- Cabarrus County

 

North Carolina Congressional Representatives

Senators

Representatives

Advocacy

Mental Health Quick Fact

Racial and ethnic minorities are less likely to have access to mental health services and often receive a poorer quality of care.