June 24, 2026
Statement: Mental Health Partnerships on the Department of Justice Olmstead Memo
Mental Health Partnerships expresses concern that the Department of Justice's recent Olmstead memorandum could weaken longstanding protections that support people with disabilities in receiving services in their homes and communities rather than institutions.
Mental Health Partnerships, an affiliate of Mental Health America, expresses serious concern regarding the Department of Justice memorandum released on June 18, 2026. This memo threatens to undermine enforcement of the Olmstead v. L.C. decision, the landmark 1999 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that established the right of individuals with disabilities to receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs—in their homes and communities, rather than in institutions.
The Department of Justice's role in enforcing Olmstead has been bipartisan policy across three decades of administrations. This enforcement emerged from a commitment to preventing the return to institutional care practices that caused documented harm to individuals with disabilities.
Mental Health Partnerships serves individuals experiencing serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders throughout Pennsylvania. Many of our clients are particularly vulnerable to institutional care pathways.
Our concern is grounded in our organizational history. Mental Health Partnerships was instrumental in the coalition efforts that led to the closure of Philadelphia State Hospital at Byberry. Staff investigations and advocacy exposed the abusive conditions endemic to institutional care. Our organization was founded on the principle that individuals with mental illness have the right to dignity, choice, and community. We maintain this commitment.
We call on elected officials at the state and local levels to publicly oppose this Department of Justice memo and to ensure robust, sustained funding for community-based mental health services, supportive housing, and peer-led programs as alternatives to institutionalization.
We further call on officials to protect Medicaid's continued funding of home and community-based care.
The civil rights protections secured by Olmstead are fundamental to the mission of Mental Health Partnerships.
Jeannine L. Lisitski, Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
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Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities
From peer-led recovery programs to statewide advocacy and education, our work touches thousands of lives every year. These numbers reflect our deep commitment to accessible, compassionate, and person-centered mental health support across Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania.
11,703
Total participants served
30+
active programs across the region
1,204
participants trained each year
9,180
participants supported through direct services
5,615
outreach contacts with people experiencing homelessness
1,319
engaged in community advocacy
Real Stories of Hope and Recovery
We’re here to champion every journey to wellness, offering unwavering support and transformational advocacy. Together, we foster resilience and recovery—so everyone can thrive and live their fullest life in the community, free from barriers to mental health care.
"I'm so grateful for the community that's here and the people that I get to work with in a way that they inspire me every day."
"Every experience I've had with MHP thus far has been great, from the training to being able to get support, a community, sponsorships to go places I never thought I'd go."
"MHP has given me so much, I want to give back."
"Give you your own purpose, you know, just like doing something more. Just a good feeling for me. Now I can be productive."
"MHP has a long history of being a really trusted and reliable resource for peer specialists.
So these experiences already live within your walls."
"The incredible empowerment and the impact that peers have in the field of mental health."
"There's something really, really powerful that happens when you're connecting with someone who's sitting across from you and says, you know, I see you and I hear you. Because I've been there."
"...and just that little click. Wow, it's so powerful just to have somebody who understands exactly how you feel, because we can sympathize all day, but to have somebody else in the room with me, to say, I've done it too, I've experienced that too, allows for a bond that goes beyond words."
"That opened me up to talk to other people so I could coach them and have them get the aha moment again. I did it and I'm glad that I got into new ways of thinking."
"I'm able to be helpful just to know that, like, all that hard work I put through actually paid off."
"And I hope that everybody would get the opportunity to connect with that organization"
"At Mental Health Partnerships. Together..."
"Together..."
"Together..."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"We build hope."
"We build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Period!"
Guiding Principles for Empowerment and Growth
At the heart of our mission lies a steadfast commitment to core values that shape every aspect of our work. These values—rooted in hope, empowerment, and respect—guide us in fostering environments where individuals can thrive, exercise self-determination, and pursue lifelong learning. By embracing a holistic, non-judgmental, and culturally aware approach, we empower individuals to achieve their full potential and contribute to their communities.
Together, We Build Hope
At Mental Health Partnerships, we are dedicated to fostering hope and resilience. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where individuals can regain control of their mental health and live fulfilling lives. We offer personalized care that aligns with your unique needs and helps you connect with a community that cares.
Real Stories of Hope & Gratitude
Hear directly from individuals whose lives have been touched by our programs and services. Whether it’s case management, family support, or peer-led guidance, these stories showcase the power of compassionate care and unwavering belief in every person’s potential for recovery and growth.
Let’s Take the Next Step Together
At MHP, we understand that the journey to mental wellness can feel overwhelming. With peer-led support, proven resources, and a warm, caring community, we’re here to guide you through every step—so you never have to walk this path alone.