Mental Health America of Greater Tampa Bay
 
is an affiliate of Mental Health America; the oldest national Mental Health advocacy organization celebrating its 100 Year Anniversary in 2009.
 
Mental Health America of Greater Tampa Bay was orginially organized in the 1950's and has evolved into an effective advocacy organization with a focus on collaborative efforts to support the entire mental health community becoming more proactive and effective.
 
Our current focus is on our new, and annual event, SWINGIN' AWAY THE BLUES II on May 7, 2010  which follows our successful inaugeral in May of 2009.  The event will again be at Higgins Hall and we will also have the same 16 piece live orchestra.  Please contact me for sponsorship information.  This year we are joining forces to have the event also raise money for the USF Silver Child Development Center.
 
We are also focusing on mental health in the workplace by promoting the Healthy Productive People offering that increases productivity in businesses.
 
Mental Health America of Greater Tampa Bay
c/o USF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine
3515 East Fletcher Avenue, MDC 102
Tampa, FL 33613
 
Richard B. Wagner
President
Voice 813.695.5490
 
Scott F. Barnett, J.D., LL.M.(Taxation)
Executive Director
Voice 813.312.2443
 
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The Mental Health America Bell shown above was created in the 1950s. A call was made to all the closing mental asylums to send to our national organization the chains and shackles used then to bind mentally ill patients. Those chains and shackles were melted down and forged into the bell you see above. The inscription on the bell reads
 
"Cast from shackles which bound them,
this bell shall ring out hope for the mentally ill and victory over mental illness."
 

Unfortunately, deinstitutionalization of mental health in the past was not coupled with enough growth of community based services. This resulted in terrible, but avoidable, human suffering and financial waste. We now stand to keep the promises made then for the benefit of all who suffer from mental health and substance abuse challenges. In doing so we also teach our leaders and the public how better services will save money in this time of fiscal crisis and serve the public.

See the full story of the bell by CLICKING HERE
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Mental Health Matters! Too many Americans and their families can’t access vital – and often life-saving – mental health services.  Remember that Treatment Works! and What Works Costs Less!  There is no health without Mental Health.