 |
This Web site is a component of the SAMHSA Health Information Network. |
|
Mental Health Programs
About CMHS
CMHS National Advisory Council
Subcommittee on Consumer/Survivor Issues
Subcommittee History, Role, and Purpose
History
Mr. Paolo del Vecchio, Senior Policy Analyst, CMHS, described the history of the formation of the subcommittee. The idea for greater involvement by consumers/survivors in the work of CMHS first was discussed about five years ago. The National Advisory Council was viewed as one possible vehicle to enable that increased participation, including the establishment of a consumer/survivor subcommittee to the advisory council.
Staff worked with the Office of General Counsel to ensure the correct procedures of forming such a subcommittee and subsequently, the advisory council approved the subcommittee's establishment. The subcommittee operates at the discretion of the advisory council. The operations of both bodies must conform to federal law concerning advisory councils.
Mr. del Vecchio described the process by which membership on the subcommittee was determined. Mr. Frank Burgmann, former National Advisory Council Member, chaired the subcommittee planning group, which was made up of representatives of consumer/survivor organizations to ensure grassroots involvement. The planning group developed criteria by which applicants would be ranked. Applications were distributed widely through the Internet, conferences and mailings.
Approximately 100 applications were received for the nine positions available. The planning groups ranked the applications according to the predetermined criteria and discussed selections during conference calls. The names of the persons selected were submitted to Bernard S. Arons, M.D., Director of CMHS, and Nelba Chavez, Ph.D., SAMHSA Administrator, for their approval. A press release on August 1 announced the names and formation of the subcommittee to the public.
Mr. Burgmann, invited to this first subcommittee meeting, commented that almost all of the applicants were outstanding and noted that Russell Pierce, who succeeded him as consumer/survivor representative on the advisory council, will benefit greatly from the subcommittee's formation. Mr. Pierce will be able to gain insight from nine people, each of whom has networks of consumers/survivors to consult about issues.
Role and Purpose
As indicated in the call for nominations, the purpose of the subcommittee is to report to the advisory council about specific needs, issues, and concerns from consumer/survivor perspectives. The subcommittee is a fact-finding body that can provide advice, make recommendations and issue position papers. Subcommittee members, who are viewed as consultants, will neither be involved in the grant review process nor have voting privileges on the NAC.
Back | Table of Contents | Next
|
|
