Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

CMHS Consumer Affairs E-News
December 15, 2003, Vol. 03-114

NATIONAL GAINS CENTER 2004 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The National GAINS Center will hold its 2004 National Conference in Las Vegas, NV, May 12-14, 2004. This year's conference theme, "From Science to Services: Emerging Best Practices for People in Contact with the Justice System," builds upon strategies based on the recommendations of the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health along with emerging best practices and evidence-based practices (EBP).

The National GAINS Center for People with Co-Occurring Disorders was created as a national center for the collection and dissemination of information about effective mental health and substance abuse services for people with co-occurring disorders in contact with the justice system. The National GAINS Center is supported by two branches of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - The Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) and the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.

The 2004 National Conference will provide opportunities for participants to examine models of shared leadership and resources, influence emerging best practices, interact with other leaders, learn new skills and hear nationally recognized speakers. It is an opportunity to share, learn and network with others dedicated to improving services for people with co-occurring disorders in contact with the justice system.

Consumer Scholarships

Support for consumer scholarships has been provided by CMHS' TAPA Center for Jail Diversion and from the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute of USF. A limited number of scholarships are available for consumers who would otherwise not be able to attend or present. A parent or guardian required to accompany a juvenile consumer may also apply for a consumer scholarship. Awards will augment some or all of the following costs: registration fees, travel, meals and lodging (for attendees living more than 40 miles from the conference hotel).

Applications can be submitted by printing the obtained from the Web site http://gainscenter.samhsa.gov/ or individuals may request a hard copy be mailed or faxed to you by calling the GAINS Center at 1-800-311-4246 ext. 237.

Application Deadline is February 20th, 2004. Notification of award will be made by March 15th, 2004.

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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.