Mental Health Association of Okaloosa/Walton (MHAOW) is the area's oldest non-profit organization addressing all aspects of mental health, mental illness, and substance abuse. The association educates the public, advocates for excellence and equality in treatment, and supports individuals and families living with mental health disabilities. All services are free of charge. 

Mental Health Association of Okaloosa/Walton is an affiliate of Mental Health America (formerly National Mental Health Association). 
 
  Mental Health America
2000 N. Beauregard Street, Sixth Floor
P.O. Box 16810
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone:  703-684-7722
Website:  www.nmha.org


Goals
  • Achieve mental wellness for all
Mission Statement
The Mental Health Association of Okaloosa/Walton (MHAOW) Counties mission is to be advocates for the mentally ill, support the well being of all people, and offer a voice and hope for the twenty-first century. 

The MHAOW exists to:
  • Rebuilding lives and strengthening our communities
Walton County activities
  • Buys psychiatric medicine in Walton County for indigent persons in need of stabilization.

  • Provides Christmas Project Cheer gifts to 35/40 persons with psychiatric disabilities at C.O.P.E.

  • Educates and trains mental health professionals, families, and individuals each year through provision of continuing education, family to family training.
MHAOW Beginnings
  • Organized Jan. 17, 1958
  • Became a permanent organization with elected officers and directors, June 12, 1958
  • Dr. F.E. Caldwell, First President
  • Ed Niener, First Vice-President
  • Rev. Richard G. Watson, Second Vice-President
  • Mrs. Ralph Coe, First Recording Secretary
  • Norma Bell, First Corresponding Secretary
  • Ramon Thigpen, First Treasurer
  • Directors: Clem Payton, Mrs. Purl Adams, Carl Barley, Bob Tongue, Joe Balcer, Mrs. Elaine Juni, Mrs. A.G. Williams, Sid Elliot, Miss Eva LaPierre, Jim Starkey
  • Others involved: Mrs. Addie Lewis, Alice Starkey, Lucia Brieskorn, Claudia Adams, Dr. E. N. Brennan, Rev. Ed Harrison, Mrs. Clarence Neibaur, Mrs. H.L. Berridge, Mrs. W.L. MacKown, Mrs. A. F. Walter, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh O. Cahalan
  • Educational Programs: films, seminars, library books, pamphlets, Project Cheer 
  • Started Okaloosa Guidance Clinic in 1969




In Crisis - Go to Nearest Hospital ER  I Suicide Life Line 1-800-784-2433  I
Abuse/Neglect of Children or Vulnerable Adults 1-800-962-2873  I  Veteran Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 press 1
Email: mhaowfl@mhaow.org

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