MHAC, although based solely out of a Cleveland for the first decade, became a statewide organization in 2012 per a request of a coalition of organizations here in Southwest Ohio. Local non-profit leaders in the mental health and substance abuse sectors recognized the need for a neutral convener and unifying voice at the policy level to maintain and hopefully grow funding and pro-treatment policies in the face of stagnant and reduced funding. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support improving access to behavioral health care for youth and young adults.