This Black History Month, we recognize the struggles and achievements of Black and African Americans who have made a significant impact in the mental health and human services field. This week, we pay tribute to Dr. Daniel Collins.
Born in 1916 in South Carolina, Dr. Collins attended dental school just as the country was headed into World War II. He and his wife relocated to California where he opened a private practice in the Bay area and became involved with advancing Civil Rights issues. He also became involved with helping to found a residential and counseling center for people with development disabilities as well as the 1969 passage of what is now known as the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act that established community-based centers for people with disabilities at risk of becoming institutionalized.
Throughout Black History Month, we will highlight individuals who reflect MHA’s mission of providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities, housing and rehabilitation to those in recovery, and behavioral outreach services through its BestLife Clinic and residential programming.
#BlackHistoryMonth2023
