On July 16, 1965, Mental Health America of the Northern Suburbs, then known as the Evanston Mental Health Association, was formed under the leadership of Helen King Mitchell.
The organization set forth the following goals:
- to promote and conserve the mental health of the people of such part of the greater Chicago area through charitable, scientific, and educational activities
- to study and implement the prevention and cure of nervous and mental disorders
The 1960s
This year, the Evanston Mental Health Society—an infant only four years ago—stood tall and came of age! In two short years, we and the agencies in Evanston studied the mental health needs, developed a plan and passed a referendum to meet the needs . . . During the campaign, the mental health story was taken to every corner of Evanston. Speakers talked with more than 3,000 people about mental health and the needs of our community. Block workers, mailers and the press reached at least 27,000 more. Ultimately, 7,918 people in Evanston cared enough about mental health to go to the polls and pass a referendum to tax themselves to provide mental health services for our community.
The 1970s
The 1980s & 1990s
2000 and beyond
MHANS has responded to the challenges of the past year aggressively, getting ahead of the problems, offering more educational programs, more outreach, and more resources. We have teamed with experts in the field, worked closely with teachers and school administrators and provided accessible education and support to over 1,200 adults and children . . . Now is not the time to lose momentum in addressing mental wellness – the need is greater and our mission couldn’t be more relevant.
Help Us Find Our History
If you were a supporter, contributor, or member of MHANS (or under any of its previous names) and have any documents, photographs, or other information which could contribute to our archives or our understanding of our history, please get in touch. In addition, any corrections or clarifications will be gratefully received.