Right now, mental health awareness and access to treatment is at the forefront of the public health community. With 1 in 5 individuals experiencing a mental illness, and suicide becoming the 2nd leading cause of death among those ages 10-14, and access to mental health services being incredibly limited, it is no wonder the U.S. Surgeon General declared mental health the biggest health concern in the United States. Those in anguish and pain are our family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors, all searching for a place to turn, all believing that they are alone.

Since 1946, the Mental Health Association of Central Florida has been the leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of the uninsured living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all. As we emerge out of the pandemic, you have heard, through the media, of the unprecedented mental health needs in our community. In 2020-21, our Outlook Clinic, nearly tripled the number of free psychiatric visits we provided to the uninsured, reaching 2,760 patients. The reality is, unfortunately, that despite this growth, we need our community’s continued support so we can reach out to the thousands more suffering in silence, with no access to essential mental healthcare.

 We invite you to show your support for our mission and programs by joining us at our 12th annual Legacy of Champions Luncheon on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at the Rosen Centre. This event brings together community leaders like yourself and highlights inspirational and meaningful stories about the state of mental health in our community while recognizing exceptional community members making a difference. 

This year’s event will once again be hosted by Orlando Sentinel columnist, Scott Maxwell, with a keynote by Ashley Judd, Award-Winning Actress, Advocate for Social Justice, Global Humanitarian, New York Times Bestselling Author, All That is Bitter & Sweet: A Memoir.’ 

The honorees for the prestigious Candice Crawford Community Champion Award and Community Heroes Award will also be presented.

It is an event not to be missed!