Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida (MHASWFL) is a
non-profit,
501 (c) 3, non-governmental
voluntary citizen organization whose primary
goals are to promote healthy
emotional and mental development.
Advocacy, an important activity of the Mental Health Association
of
Southwest Florida,
has had its share of milestones. After successfully
advocating for a psychologist
in 1957, the Association in 1963, obtained
and paid for the part-time
services of a psychiatrist. Then attention was
turned towards increasing the
funding for the State Hospital to pay
competent personnel,
greater use of NCH for psychiatric patients,
and more after care programs
for patients.
Dr. Louis Moore,
President of the MHA1961-1962
lead the effort to secure a mental health center for Collier County.
During this same
period The Kiwanis Club,
in support of MHA, approved a project of
acquiring land and a building for the clinic.
Polly Keller’s term as
President,
the
dream was finally realized when the clinic doors opened in October.
The
present day Board and Staff of the MHASWFL appreciate the
dedication
of the founders and
volunteers whose efforts have greatly improved the lives
of
all in our community. The mission has not changed. The goals may
have been
reprioritized and the language modernized but the intent remains the
same.
Our Mission
To Advocate for Mental Wellness
through Education,
Prevention, and Support.

