Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

CMHS Consumer Affairs E-News
August 29, 2005, Vol. 05-116

Star Center National Teleconference Series: OutReach to Consumers of Color

What: This toll-free conference call will explore how consumer-run and consumer-supporter organizations can reach out to communities of color in a manner that is culturally appropriate. We will go over action steps your organization can take to make it more visible to communities of color.

When: Monday, September 19, 2005 at 7:00 PM EST

To Participate: Dial 800-657-1263 at 7:00 PM EST on September 19, 2005. When the operator answers, mention the call code: 7827. The call topic is listed as "Outreach to Consumers of Color." This is open to anyone who is interested in this topic.

Details: Many organizations whose mission is to help support consumers on their road to recovery are not aware of cultural barriers that may make it difficult for individuals to access their services. Mental health providers can greatly enhance their effectiveness in reaching out to diverse communities by learning how to make their environment, their staff, and their approaches culturally competent. Familiarity with the different ways that individuals and communities with a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds think about, cope with, and seek help for mental illness can make all the difference. This call will provide insights from organizations that have successfully reached out to serve diverse communities and provide pointers to resources for further information. After the panelists' presentations, participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and offer their perspectives. The only equipment needed in order to participate in this event is access to a telepho!
ne. The call is free.

Teleconference Speakers:

Bill Compton is Bill Compton is a dedicated consumer advocate and public educator. He serves as the program director for Project Return: The Next Step at the MHA in Los Angeles County, California's largest consumer-run self-help/peer support program, serving 2,000 individuals with serious mental illness. He is president of the California Network of Mental Health Clients and has testified before the California legislature's Joint Commission on Mental Health Reform.

Clarissa Netter is director of Helping Other People Through Empowerment, Inc. (HOPE), a drop-in center for homeless persons who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. She has extensive experience in helping consumers obtain access to support and services, and in providing training for key life skills.

Teleconference Moderator:

Ramiro (Ray) Guevara is the director of the Support Technical Assistance Resource Center (STAR Center).

Phone: (703) 516-7996 · Toll Free: (866) 537- STAR (7827) · ramiro@consumerstar.org

STAR Center Program Manger:

Miguel A. Oyola, Jr. is the program manager for the Support Technical Assistance Resource Center (STAR Center).

Phone: (703) 600-1114 · Toll Free: (866) 537-STAR (7827)· miguel@consumerstar.org

Background: This call is part of the ongoing SAMHSA/CMHS funded - STAR Center National Teleconference Series, designed to provide resources and culturally competent support for self-help to consumers and their supporters in diverse communities. You can learn more about the STAR Center at www.consumerstar.org.
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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.