In the late 1960s and early 1970s the Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) was developed at Mendota. A community-based treatment, rehabilitation, and supportive services program aimed at helping those with severe and persistent mental illness avoid psychiatric hospitalization and live independently in the community, the program was a forerunner of many other similar programs throughout the world. In 1974, MMHI received the American Psychiatric Association's Gold Achievement Award for the program, also known as the "Madison model". It is the only psychiatric facility in Wisconsin to have received the award.