MPN is a nonprofit organization of service providers in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties who have been collaborating for over 20 years. Although the name has changed over the years, the primary focus remains the same. MPN is committed to promoting the values of choice, quality of life, and self-determination for people with disabilities.

MPN takes an active role in promoting change in policies and procedures, legislation and service delivery in order to ensure that high-quality services are available to Mecklenburg Co. residents with disabilities.

As a network, MPN can meet the current service needs in Mecklenburg County and plan for the future needs of the community by utilizing best practices and current trends.

History

In 1980, Dr. Canton Watkins, then Director of the Center for Human Development, called together representatives of organizations and agencies which provided services for individuals with developmental disabilities. The group was loosely organized in order to share information and to address concerns and needs of individuals with disabilities. Dr. Watkins, could then carry the opinions and needs of professionals in the field to the elected officials. This group became known as the "Chairperson's Group". As meeting enthusiasm and activity varied during the grass root years, it became evident that the organization needed to stand on its own and be directed by the service providers.

In March 1990, the group reorganized. All directors or their designees were eligible for membership and the organization became a primary tool for the service providers to problem solve and actively address concerns. This group continued to meet on a monthly basis as incorporated agencies and organizations that provided services for individuals with developmental disabilities under the name of The Association of Mecklenburg Developmental Disabilities Service Providers (AMDDSP).

In January 2001, the group was restructured to become a private membership organization for organizations serving individuals with developmental disabilities and Mental Illness. In April 2002, the group became incorporated under the name of Mecklenburg Disabilities Network. This group now takes an active role in promoting change in policies, procedures, legislation, and service delivery while maintaining quality of care. Although the name has changed over the years, this group's primary mission continues to be to promote choice, quality of life, and self-determination for the individuals served in Mecklenburg County.

In October 2003, the group decided to broaden it's service boundaries to include surrounding counties. At that time, the name was changed to Metrolina Disabilities Network.

The name was changed in 2008 to MPN (Metrolina Provider Network).