Mental Health America of Kentucky is an affiliate of the national organization Mental Health America. Mental Health America is the nation’s leading national nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of mental health, well-being, and illness prevention. Our work is informed, designed, and led by the lived experience of those most affected.
Operating nationally and in communities across the country, Mental Health America advocates for closing the mental health equity gap while increasing nationwide awareness and understanding through public education, direct services, tools, and research. Our annual State of Mental Health in America report is among the most widely respected health reports in the nation.
Mental Health America of Kentucky has been serving the state of Kentucky since 1951. Our mission is to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health and substance abuse services in the Commonwealth. We accomplish this through advocacy with local, state and federal policymakers, education of the public on mental illness and mental wellness, and the promotion of research-based practices among providers.
2024 Board Members
Board Officers:
President: Mary Malone, RN, BSN, MA, MSN, B.Th.
Vice-President: Sheila Schuster, PhD
Treasurer: Andrea Jones, APSS
Secretary: Angela “Angie” Judd
Board Members:
Rachelle Seger
William McCann
T. Bruce Simpson
Tracey Garnett
Lee Look, PhD
A Brief History
Mental Health America of Kentucky is the Commonwealth’s longest serving mental health organization, having served Kentuckians for 73 years. In early 1951, with the backing and encouragement of Barry Bingham, Sr. and Dr. S. S. Ackerly, the Council of Jewish Women began an effort to build up interest in a statewide mental health organization. The group gathered in Louisville and formed and incorporated the Kentucky Association for Mental Health. The first and foremost aim of the Association was to protect and promote the interest of the mentally ill.
The first achievement of the members of the association, in conjunction with medical professionals and governmental leaders, was the creation of a Department of Mental Health. Frank M. Gaines, M.D. became the first Commissioner of that department. During the 1960s, the number one priority for the Association was the Kentucky Department for Mental Health budget and funding for mental health services. With our assistance, twelve Regional Mental Health Centers were operating in Kentucky with federal income of $2 million and other income of approximately $1 million.
The 1970s highlighted the area of prevention for Kentucky’s school systems. The ’70s saw a dramatic number of patients discharged from mental hospitals without proper plans for care. We protested this and were able to effect change on behalf of these patients.
During the 1980s, the association was instrumental in helping establish the Kentucky Mental Health Coalition, a coalition still active today.
The 1990s continued to be a decade of education in the Commonwealth. The inaugural Mental Health Institute was held. During this decade, through donations, our scholarship program began.
The legislative priority for the 2000s was mental health care parity. Upon passage of parity, Mental Health America of Kentucky continued in earnest to provide education and scholarships for the Commonwealth.
From 2010 until today, Mental Health America of Kentucky provides training to professionals, consumers and the general public. We promote programs of Living Your Life Well, B4Stage4, Trauma-Informed Care, and scholarships to college students. We continue to make a difference in the lives of those with mental illness. We’re looking forward to our next 73 years.
