Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

CMHS Consumer Affairs E-News
April 28, 2003, Vol. 03-29

SAMHSA TO HOST CONFERENCE ON ELIMINATING USE OF SECLUSION AND RESTRAINT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES

Seclusion and restraint of individuals with mental illnesses continues to be an issue of concern and controversy for many in the mental health field. Attention surrounding issues of patients' safety and use of alternative measures challenge fundamental aspects of mental health systems. Leaders from federal and national mental heath organizations, professional and provider organizations, clinical training programs, and advocacy organizations will come together to develop a national agenda for the eventual elimination of use of seclusion and restraint in mental health treatment environments.

The conference is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in collaboration with the National Association of State Mental Health Programs Directors. SAMHSA Administrator Charles Curie launched a major effort to eliminate use of this controversial method of dealing with patients with mental illness while mental health commissioner in Pennsylvania. He is now leading a national effort to eliminate use of seclusion and restraint.

Anyone interested in attending this conference should register online at http://www.mcfarlandwired.com and click on Events. Registration is open up until the day of the meeting.

WHO:

Charles G. Curie, M.A., A.C.S.W.
Administrator, SAMHSA

Robert W. Glover, Ph.D.
Executive Director, NASMHPD

Gail P. Hutchings, M.P.A.
Acting Director, CMHS

WHEN:

May 5, 2003

WHERE:

Marriott J.W. Hotel
1331 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: 202-393-2000