Centerfold

The Vermont Association for Mental Health (VAMH) is one of the state's oldest citizen-based organizations, founded in 1938. Based in Montpelier, Vermont, the Mental Health Association has operated with a staff of one or two dedicated individuals, guided by a Board of Directors reflecting the diversity of Vermont's concerned citizens.  

Floyd Nease, Executive Director,  who joined the Vermont Association for Mental Health leadership role in November 2010, stated “I am humbled and honored even to be asked,” Nease said.  “The Vermont Association for Mental Health’s advocacy has made historic gains for the parity of mental health with physical health.  On that issue alone, VAMH’s leadership has been recognized nationally.  VAMH’s programs like Friends of Recovery Vermont and Camp Daybreak, which was the first camp in Vermont for children with special needs, are serving Vermonters in ways that change lives.”   

“There has not been a time in Vermont’s history when the issues facing the mental health and substance abuse systems have been more critical to the future of Vermont’s citizens.  The need for VAMH’s voice to be heard loud and clear has never been greater.” Nease continued.  “The future of Vermont State Hospital is still way up in the air. Designated Agencies have been cut more than ten percent over the past three years.  They are being asked to do much more with much less.  People who need addictions and mental health services are being sent to jail, where effective treatment is unavailable.  Homelessness among people and families with addictions and mental illness is way up in Vermont.  Public policy issues like forced medication, shackling practices, Vermont’s abandonment of transition aged youth, remain unresolved.  There is the ongoing struggle to achieve real parity.  A parallel challenge is the importance of integrating substance abuse services into every facet of our health care system.  Finally, and perhaps most important, there is real work to be done about the stigma that mental illness and addiction disorders still carry.  I look forward to working on all of these things and more.” 

Jimmy Fordham joined the Association in the April 2009 as the new Business Manager. Jimmy, born and raised in Berlin, Vermont,  comes to us with extensive experience with non-profit organizations such as the Vermont Natural Resources Council and the Family Center of Washington County. Jimmy brings to the office a warm smile and bright personality.

In January of 2003, Patty McCarthy joined the Association staff as director of a unique and special project called Friends of Recovery - VT (FOR - VT). Patty has become the face and voice of this important project which is creating a statewide network of Vermonters who are in recovery from alcohol and substance abuse addictions.