History of MHA-A

The Mental Health Association of Augusta was established May 10, 1954, as the Staunton Chapter, an affiliate of the Virginia Association for Mental Health, Inc., and a Division of the National Association for Mental Health. The Rev. J. Lewis Gibbs was its first president.

The MHA has been a leader in our community assessing needs, advocating, and initiating services, many of which have been parent organizations to today's human service agencies.

The Chapter's original objective was to secure a mental health clinic in this area. Members were successful in obtaining state and local funds to establish Valley Mental Health Clinic in 1956. Other programs and services established by the Mental Health Association and then spun off were the Western State Hospital the Volunteer Services Council, which is now an outstanding program of the hospital itself; Shenandoah Clubhouse; Valley Pastoral Counseling Center; Parents Without Partners; Alternatives for Abused Adults now known as New Directions; and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

In 1990, the Mental Health Association of Staunton - West Augusta merged with the Mental Health Association of Waynesboro - East Augusta to provide an even wider range of programs and services. The information and Referral office is located in the Professional Building, Staunton.

In 2006, National Mental Health Association became Mental Health America of Virginia.

In 2008, Mental Health Association of Augusta became Mental Health America of Augusta.

We are still the same organization providing services and programs to this community.