Through a grant from the Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS), we have been able to develop a Local Business Advisory Council (LBAC). The LBAC supports employers in their ability to employ persons living with mental illness. The LBAC is made up of businesses throughout the county who participate in quarterly meetings where business leaders can share their experiences, job opportunities and express their needs for support in employing individuals with psychiatric difficulties.

The LBAC helps to identify and respond to the needs of both employers and employees and through collaboration and education reduce stereotypes and stigma. Stigma is a major barrier to employment opportunities. The LBAC will allow for open and honest dialogue from the business community about their fears, beliefs and possible stereotypes that impact their willingness to employ a person living with mental illness.

MHAS serves as a valuable source of education to the local business community. Through the providing of materials and speakers that aim to educate the business community to prepare them to employ persons living with mental illness, we respond to the need of the business community. 

The LBAC's goal is to help to forge a relationship between the needs of employers and employees. Consumers benefit from an increase in choices and options for employment in a competitive work environment. Employers gain an additional mechanism from which to recruit employees. When business leaders are well prepared to receive employees with psychiatric disabilities, both the employee and the employer will have increased satisfaction and job retention. These benefits will extend not only to future job-seekers, but also to persons living with mental illness that are currently in the job sector.