The Peru Gazette

Photo provided

Westport, NY – The Mental Health Association (MHA) proudly celebrates 60 years of dedicated service to the community on March 3, 2026. For six decades, MHA has remained committed to promoting mental wellness, supporting recovery, and providing compassionate, person-centered services to individuals and families across the region.

Founded in 1966, MHA has grown from a small community initiative into a comprehensive behavioral health organization offering a wide range of services. Throughout its history, the agency has expanded programs to meet emerging community needs while remaining steadfast in its mission to ensure that mental health support is accessible, responsive, and stigma-free.

Over the years, MHA has developed and strengthened programs including crisis response, opioid response, care coordination, housing support, peer services, community education initiatives, and other services such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The organization continues to adapt and innovate to address the evolving mental health landscape while maintaining a strong foundation of compassion and advocacy. 

Among one of its most impactful services is it’s operation of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, providing 24/7 crisis counseling and emotional support. 

MHA proudly serves as the regional 988 contact center covering Franklin, Essex, Clinton, and Hamilton Counties in Northern New York. Through this critical service, trained crisis counselors answer calls from individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, substance use concerns, or suicidal thoughts. The team provides immediate de-escalation, safety planning, emotional support, and connection to local resources. By serving these four counties, MHA ensures that residents in both rural and remote communities have direct access to life-saving support close to home. MHA’s 988 team works closely with local mental health providers, hospitals, mobile crisis teams, law enforcement, and community partners across Franklin, Essex, Clinton, and Hamilton Counties to coordinate care and facilitate warm handoffs when in-person support is needed. MHA’s 988 center provides not only crisis support but also localized care tailored to the needs of Northern New York residents.

“For 60 years, MHA has been a cornerstone of hope and support in our community,” said Executive Director, Valerie Ainsworth. “This milestone reflects the dedication of our staff, board members, community partners, and the individuals we serve. We are proud of our history and excited for the future.”

MHA’s impact is made possible through the commitment of its employees, Board of Directors, donors, and community stakeholders. Together, they have worked to reduce stigma, increase access to care, and advocate for policies that strengthen mental health systems locally and statewide.

As MHA looks ahead, the organization remains focused on expanding services, strengthening partnerships, and continuing its mission to ensure that everyone has access to quality mental health support when they need it most.

For more information about MHA’s programs or if you would like to make a donation, please visit www.mhainessex.org.