Mental Health and Addiction Advocacy Coalition
The Mental Health and Addiction Advocacy Coalition (MHAC) advocates for quality support of mental health and addiction treatments, and systemic change to improve access to behavioral health services. Established in 2003 to coordinate mental health advocacy efforts, the MHAC has since expanded to include addiction advocacy and is comprised of over 120 member organizations across Ohio.
The MHAC focuses on its work related to older adults by striving to create access to behavioral health services for older adults, and advocate for policies that make this possible. Since receiving the Spring 2025 McGregor Foundation grant, the MHAC has continued their influential work in addressing the needs of older adults in our communities by:
- Identifying Older Adults Focus Areas which target the need for 1) a prepared and trained workforce; 2) incorporated behavioral health services into senior service planning; 3) policies that prepare communities for the growing population of older adults; and 4) ways to address the impact of trauma and environmental factors on older adults.
- Discussing the behavioral health needs of older adults with members/staff of the Ohio General Assembly, and local public officials.
- Continuing membership in the Council on Older Persons, where the MHAC calls attention to the importance of advocating for behavioral health related issues.
Additionally, the MHAC continues their work building the Ohio Aging and Behavioral Health Alliance (OABH) which unites organizations serving older adults to identify problems, create solutions, and advocate for change.
As the MHAC’s reputation and influence increases, so does its ability to impact behavioral health issues related to seniors.
McGregor supports the MHAC as they continue to break barriers standing in the way of older adults receiving the services they need to thrive.
