The History of the Mental Health Consumer Movement

What does the mental health consumer movement have in common with other civil rights movements?

How have mental health consumers and our society at large benefited from the pioneering advocacy of early mental health rights activists? What work remains to be done?

To help consumers, the general public, and the media explore these questions, SAMHSA’s ADS Center (Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion Associated with Mental Health) invites you to a free teleconference training entitled “The History of the Mental Health Consumer Movement.”

Date & Time: Thursday – December 17, 2009 at 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM (Pacific Time)

To register, please go to promoteacceptance@hhs.gov . We also encourage you to share this invitation with interested friends and colleagues. Please note: Registration for this teleconference will close at 3:00 p.m., Pacific Time, on Thursday, December 10, 2009.

This teleconference will provide a context to help consumers and others understand the origins of the movement, the challenges that members of the movement have encountered and overcome, and the societal advances gained through effective advocacy. This movement set the stage for efforts to support individuals in their personal recovery and to strengthen support for continued systemic change.

Informational Meeting of Benton-Franklin Counties Human Services

All interested members who want to stay informed of changes that will impact mental health services and others in our area, attend this open advisory meeting on Wednesday, December 2, between 11:30-1:00pm at the office of Benton-Franklin Counties Human Services Department, 7207 W. Deschutes Avenue in Kennewick. It is planned to be a potluck, so bringing a snack or dish is welcomed.

Annual Holiday Gift Bag Party Coming Up!

We’re going to have a large assortment of items arranged, sorted, and ready for stuffing into gift bags and we need your help. They will be given to over 100 adults and children in the Tri-Cities, who live with a mental disorder. This is done simply to let them know we are here and care. Refreshments will be available and you are welcome to bring a holiday treat for sharing, if possible. Get ready for a good time!

Time and location are: Tuesday – December 8 at 7:00 pm at the Fellowship Hall, Shalom United Church at 505 McMurray in Richland.

Thanks to the generosity of Washington Producers Inc., McDonalds, DQ Grill & Chill, along with others, we will we once again be able to share in the role as a caring community. Giving is part of receiving all that is good out in the world.

Clover Island Inn offers a holiday meal for needy

Chef Adan Mendoza wanted a chance to give back to the community and decided that it would be a good idea to cook a traditional buffet Thanksgiving dinner for those who otherwise might not have one.

Mark Blotz, general manager and partner, said the goal is to serve 500 to 750 people a dinner that will include turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy and assorted vegetables. One of their vendors, the Sysco Company, is donating some of the food and enough staff has stepped up to the plate to volunteer to cook and serve. Absolutely no money will change hands.

The dinner takes place on the evening before the November 26 holiday. To help with planning, Blotz is requesting that those who want to attend to please call ahead and RSVP by calling 586-0541.
The Inn is located at 435 Clover Island Drive in Kennewick.

Webinar

Webinar: Introduction to Shared Decision Making in Mental Health Creating Dialogue, Promoting Choice, Supporting Recovery
November 12, 2009 ~ 2:00 – 3:30 P.M. (Eastern Time)

Featuring: Patricia Deegan, Pat Deegan Ph.D. & Associates, LLC. and Laurie Curtis, Advocates for Human Potential, Inc.

We invite you to join us for an informative and lively introduction to SAMHSA’s initiative to support Shared Decision Making in mental health services. Participation in this Webinar is free of charge.

Sponsored by: The Office of the Associate Director for Consumer Affairs, Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

To register for this event:
1. Go to the URL listed below and choose Web RSVP under Join Events.
2. Enter the conference number and passcode.
3. Provide your information for the event leader and then click submit.

Participant access information:
URL: https://www.mymeetings.com/emeet/rsvp/index.jsp?customHeader=mymeetings&Conference_ID=9091473&passcode=7011561
Conference number: 9091473 Passcode: 7011561