May 2022
By Allyson McAndrews, M.Ed., Director of Marketing and Community Outreach, McAndrews, Mehalick, Connolly, Hulse and Ryan P.C.

As an advocate myself for mental health awareness, I am incredibly proud of the work that we provide here at MLO. Our legal team is like no other. Our staff and attorneys possess collectively over a century of special education advocacy experience. For 40 years, our firm has been serving the needs of individuals with disabilities, including those affected by mental illness. We understand the impact it can have on families, and that is why we encourage others to get involved in raising awareness for mental health this month (and throughout the entire year)!

For over 70 years, the month of May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. With more than 50 million Americans affected by mental illness, it is important that people of all ages understand the signs and symptoms that can have an impact on an individual. Statistics show that 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 youth experience a mental health condition each year. Even more concerning are the treatment rates. Less than half of the adults living with a mental illness receive treatment, and only half of the youth living with a mental illness receive care. Since 1999, the suicide rate has increased by 35%.

Mental Health America (formerly known as “The National Association for Mental Health”) established “Mental Health Month” in 1949. Since then, many people and organizations have joined the movement to break the stigma surrounding mental illness, including The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization with over 600 local affiliates. Throughout the month of May, various events, programs, and screenings are offered to raise awareness about mental health and to emphasize the importance of accessible and affordable treatment options. People are encouraged to get involved this month by sharing their own personal stories, educating themselves on the importance of mental health services, and spreading the word via social media by utilizing hashtags such as #Mentalhealthmonth, #Together4MH, and #MHM.

The global pandemic has added a whole new layer of unpredictability to our daily lives, causing a greater need for mental health services, especially for school-age children. Students thrive when they have a daily routine, especially children who receive special education services. Over the past 2 years, their daily routines have been drastically altered, causing an increase in stress and uncertainty. If you believe your child is not receiving the proper educational services for their condition, we are here to help. Our initial consultation is without charge, and most of our cases are handled without fees paid by parents of children with disabilities. We understand these are difficult times. Please do not hesitate to contact us today by clicking here or by calling 610-648-9300.


Resources


We are a nationally recognized firm that provides families of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Area, and New Jersey with exceptional legal representation in Special Education, Estate Planning, Abuse of Vulnerable Citizens, and the representation of individuals involved in higher education allegations of misconduct.
Main Office: 30 Cassatt Avenue, Berwyn, PA 19312
Follow MLO on Social Media!