News from National
July 23, 2026

Mental health is a lifelong journey. Help shape every chapter.

This October 8-9 in Washington, DC, the 2026 Mental Health America Conference is gathering the brightest minds to answer one crucial question: How do we build a world with More Good Days, Together?

This year’s standout Mental Health Across the Lifespan track explores practical strategies for supporting emotional well-being at every age, and features the session, Aging and Behavioral Health: What Matters Most. During this interactive session, attendees will discuss how ageism, stigma, and lack of awareness of mental health conditions impact older adult behavioral health and its treatment. 

Space is limited, and early demand is high!

July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

From casual check-ins to structured support spaces, connection is a powerful tool for healing. We’ve included ideas to help you build and nurture those bonds in our free 2026 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit. Available in English and Spanish, the toolkit helps get beyond the surface to spark honest conversations and support wellness in communities of color.

Words matter: Building better mental health conversations

Mental health conversations can be difficult. For many people, it is hard to explain what they are experiencing, especially when symptoms affect mood, motivation, sleep, relationships, or everyday responsibilities. For others, the challenge is knowing how to support someone without saying the wrong thing. By shifting the language around mental health, we can build better conversations to reduce stigma and support ourselves and others. Learn more in this new guest blog, sponsored by AbbVie.

Go back to school with the right tools

Heading back to school is a big transition, and it can bring plenty of stress. For the student in your life, our mental health survival guide, Where to Start, is here to help. Filled with engaging, relatable illustrations by cartoonist Gemma Correll, our book walks readers through recognizing mental health warning signs, opening up to friends and family, exploring care options, and building daily self-care habits.

Planning to order for a school, classroom, or organization? Enjoy 10% off your bulk order of 50+ items.

Upcoming virtual events and webinars

Building stability through supportive housing: A continuum of care for individuals with SMI

July 30, 2026 at 12:00pm ET

Affiliate news

Rita Utz named Executive Director of Mental Health Virginia

Mental Health Virginia (MHV) has appointed Rita Utz as executive director following a comprehensive review by its Board of Directors. “The Board is confident Rita is the right leader to move the organization forward,” said Board President Jennifer Campbell-Raab, citing her dedication, experience, and strategic insight. Utz has served as acting executive director since September 2025 and will continue leading MHV’s mission to improve mental health across Virginia. 

Ericka Ellis-Stewart named Executive Director of MHA of Central Carolinas

Mental Health America of Central Carolinas (MHA) is proud to announce the appointment of Ericka Ellis-Stewart as its new executive director, marking an exciting new chapter for the organization. Following her service as Acting Executive Director and an extensive search process, the Board of Directors unanimously selected Ellis-Stewart to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and impact. With more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience—including seven years previously with MHA—Ellis-Stewart brings deep institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to advancing mental wellness throughout the region. Read more here.

Rekindling bonds: MHAOK's grant-funded fishing trip unites brothers

A fishing trip through Mental Health Association Oklahoma’s Mental Health & the Great Outdoors initiative helped reunite two brothers who had not seen each other in years, despite living less than a mile apart. Alan, an MHAOK housing resident, joined his brother Harry, who lives with dementia in another MHAOK housing program. As they fished together, childhood memories sparked conversation, with Harry speaking more that day than staff had ever witnessed. The outing rekindled their relationship, leading to more fishing trips, shared meals, and regular visits—demonstrating the lasting power of connection, recreation, and recovery. Funding for this project was provided by Mental Health America National in partnership with L.L.Bean.