Affiliate Profile: MHA of Sacramento

Peer-Support Model is a Win-Win

Mental Health America of Sacramento is focused on assisting clients to re-engage in the workforce. Through a unique peer-support model, MHA Sacramento is committed to creating opportunities where clients can assist as volunteers.

“The value of consumer volunteers cannot be overstated,” Susan Gallagher, executive director of MHA Sacramento, said. “This is a win-win proposition. My personal experience has shown me that most consumers want to be involved in meaningful work--it is often an essential component in our recovery.”

One way Sacramento makes use of its consumer volunteers is through the Senior Peer Counseling Program. This program employs 78 volunteers who visit an older adult client in their home each week. They provide friendly visitations, transportation, resources and referral information, and support and companionship to more than 100 older adult clients each year.

Other consumer volunteers produce “Mental Health Matters,” a television show filmed in collaboration with Local Access 17 that educates the Sacramento community about mental health issues and resources. They administer every aspect of “Mental Health Matters,” which films between 20 and 24 segments per year.

Consumers are also encouraged to volunteer as information and referral specialists. In this capacity, consumers answer phone calls and respond to questions from the community on how to access mental health services as well as inform viewers of local advocacy issues and collaborative efforts.

It may be difficult to assess the capabilities of a consumer volunteer at the outset, Gallagher said, but MHA Sacramento has learned to spend time listening and building relationships with them to discover what gifts, talents and interests they possess. From there, every effort is made to place volunteers in jobs that match and enhance these natural skills.

“A volunteer with a talent for music and a penchant for working with local talent was provided an opportunity to create our Annual Variety Show,” Gallagher said. “It has now become one of our annual fundraisers.”

Another consumer volunteer wanted to do a talk show on mental health issues. This person, who experiences symptoms of schizophrenia and has always struggled academically, now produces a bimonthly television show that has hosted some of the most respected individuals in mental health.

“Our goal is assisting folks to take back their lives and begin to achieve their goals and realize their dreams,” Gallagher said. “With the right services and support, people do get well and can live enriching and productive lives. Every decision we make should reflect these possibilities.”

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