Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

CMHS Consumer Affairs E-News
April 29, 2004, Vol. 04-50

Regional Consumer/Survivor Meeting

Regional Consumer/Survivor Meeting
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Radisson Hotel Boston Downtown
Carver Ballroom Salon One
200 Stuart Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
8:30 am - 5:00 pm

The Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is dedicated to its goal of providing "a life in the community for everyone" through its mission of "building resiliency and facilitating recovery." CMHS leads Federal efforts to improve the availability and accessibility of high quality care for people with or at-risk for mental illnesses and their families. It is also dedicated to building consumer empowerment, addressing discrimination and stigma, and applying knowledge about best community-based practices.

The President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, in their recent report "Achieving the Promise: Transforming Mental Health Care in America," asserts that in mental health delivery systems "Consumers' needs must drive the care and services that are provided." Also, they note that consumers must participate in the designing and developing of these systems. CMHS is sponsoring this Regional meeting to:

• Identify the needs, issues and concerns of people with mental illnesses;
• Gather input and suggestions for CMHS activities.

Representatives from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont will participate. Seating is limited so participation will be on a first-to-register basis. Lunch is on your own.

Please contact Stephanie Olivero at 240-290-2102 for a registration form. Please complete and return the registration form no later than May 19, 2004.

For logistical information:

Ayesha Navagamuwa, Meeting Planner
NEW-BOLD Enterprises, Inc.
240-290-2101
mavagamuwa@new-bold.com

For additional information, contact CMHS Consumer Affairs:

Carole Schauer
Senior Consumer Affairs Specialist
301-443-8304
cschauer@samhsa.gov

Carlton Speight
Consumer Affairs Specialist
301-443-8809
cspeight@samhsa.gov

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The Center for Mental Health Services is a component of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States Department of Health and Human Services.