Peer Support & Advocacy Network [PSAN] is a 100% mental health consumer managed and operated, holistic, and multicultural agency with 501©(3) status that became independent in January 2004. Our goal is to assist consumers to empower themselves through voluntary strengths-based choice-driven programming, advocacy, information and referral, access to community resources and informal activities. PSAN considers any individual who has sought public or private treatment for a mental health disorder ranging from a one time occurrence to a life-long condition as a consumer.

PSAN has an Administrative office located on Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA and 2 Peer Support Centers, namely, The Center for New Hope and Life located at the Mayview State Hospital campus grounds in Bridgeville, PA and New Horizons located at 616 Lincoln Avenue in Bellevue, PA.

Currently, there are approximately 500 Members on our lists at New Horizons and approximately 60-70 active Members that participate in regular volunteer activity which can include, but is not limited to, answering telephones, ensuring Members sign in and out for statistical purposes, preparing, cooking and serving meals, cleaning up after meals and participating in general clean-up of the facility, attending Membership meetings and participating in internal and external activities.

The activities for consumers at Mayview are a little different. Due to the fact that consumers are limited to the campus grounds at Mayview State Hospital, they participate in daily activities such as playing cards and other organized games, listening to music, reading and utilizing the computer, creating artwork, writing poetry, etc. They also can participate in the Mayview Olympics in structured games similar to those played during the actual Olympics and can win prizes and awards. They also participate in Christmas caroling and other seasonal activities.

We believe people can and do recover from mental illness when offered opportunities to pursue their own recovery and rebuild their lives through peer support. PSAN won a 2004 Esprit Award sponsored through the Mental Health Association of Allegheny County and a 2004 Power of Work Award sponsored through Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh.