NOVEMBER 2019 NEWSLETTER
In the U.S., 1 in 5 children have a learning or attention issue , such as dyslexia or ADHD, that impact their learning 1 . Many times, these students also have social and behavioral challenges related to their learning disability that can lead to social isolation, disproportionate disciplinary rates, and an increased likelihood of dropping out of school. However, when provided with the right support and services, students with disabilities can thrive academically and socially.

This is why Janie's mother reached out to Mental Health Advocacy Services.
Janie is a child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) . For over a year, Janie's mother struggled to obtain appropriate supportive services for Janie at her elementary school. Despite Janie's obvious academic and mental health decline, the school continuously delayed assessing Janie for services . Instead, the school dealt with Janie's behavior problems by isolating her from her classmates and, on multiple occasions, by calling the police .

When the school agreed to assess her for services, Janie's mother worried that she alone wouldn't be able to make her concerns heard . That's when she reached out to Mental Health Advocacy Services and met our special education advocate, Nic Munoz.

Nic accompanied Janie's mother to her daughter's initial Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. Together, they ensured that an appropriate behavior plan was put into place and that Janie was paired with a specially trained professional who could help her address and replace her most challenging behavior. With MHAS' advocacy, Janie now has access to the support she needs to thrive in school and beyond - just like any of her peers .
Last month, MHAS welcomed the newest member of our team, Ilana Lohr-Schmidt. Ilana, who is a committed advocate for people with mental health disabilities, has previously been involved with MHAS as a volunteer. She now returns to join our Medical-Legal Community Partnership (MLCP) Team as a full-time staff member.

We asked Ilana a few questions to learn more about her and her work. Read her responses below:

Q: How did you first hear about MHAS?
I first heard about MHAS at the 2016 Public Interest Legal Career Fair at NYU, where Pam Marx, an MHAS staff member, spoke at a forum for California Employers. I then volunteered at MHAS during my 1L spring break (my first legal clerkship experience), and again for several weeks after the bar exam last summer.

Q: What do you like most about your job?
I receive my caseload through the MLCP, which seeks to address social determinants of health for patients at community clinics and hospitals in Los Angeles County. Even within my first few weeks of work, this role has brought me into contact with an incredible range of client stories and legal issues. The work is varied and rewarding.

Q: What do you find most challenging?
Clients come to us with so many complex challenges facing them in all areas of life. Sometimes, it can be difficult to draw out the issues that are best suited for legal advocacy from problems that have so many dimensions, both legal and non-legal.

Q: Fun fact?
I have three rescue cats, each from a different city (Los Angeles, New York, and San Juan).

On October 20, MHAS' staff, Board of Directors, and supporters came together for our 2019 Annual Celebration. MHAS presented Meiram Bendat with the Jim Preis Memorial Award and Mia St. John with the Advocates Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the field of mental health advocacy.

If you attended our Annual Celebration last month, you know just how dedicated and committed our staff is to protecting and advancing the rights of people with mental health disabilities. We truly appreciate you coming out to learn about and support our work!

GIVING OPPORTUNITY FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
If you are a federal employee or retiree, you can give to MHAS between now and January 12 through the Combined Federal Campaign .

Pledges made by federal civilian, postal and military donors during the CFC season will support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human services.
Visit https://cfcgiving.opm.gov/offerings and search for MHAS (CFC #75828) to make your contribution today!