CONSUMER AFFAIRS BULLETIN
Volume 1, No. 1 Winter 1996

Consumer Affairs Staff Grows

Please note that we use the term "consumer/survivor" because it is currently the most widely accepted terminology. We recognize and respect that others may identify themselves otherwise.

Over the past 16 months, the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has taken substantive steps to increase consumer/survivor projects. Iris Hyman, has joined Paolo del Vecchio as a Consumer Affairs Specialist to promote consumer/survivor efforts. Both staff want and need your involvement. If you would like to find out more about CMHS consumer/survivor activities, contact the staff at (301) 443-2619 or (301) 443- 9824.

A detailed operational plan to increase consumer/survivor involvement in CMHS has been drafted and is already guiding the center in its strategic planning. A Consumer/Survivor Planning Meeting, was held in the summer of 1995 in Rockville, Maryland. Input from national consumer/survivor representatives influenced future CMHS activities and directions. A report on this event is available from the Information Center. Similar meetings are planned for the coming year.

Editor's Note

I recently joined Paolo del Vecchio as a Consumer Affairs Specialist in the Office of External Liaison, Center for Mental Health Services. With a title encompassing words such as consumer, liaison, mental health services, I look forward to ensuring that this publication contains useful information, helpful hints, policy developments, and breakthroughs. The useful information in each edition will include: CMHS pending and proposed activities; issues of interest to consumers/survivors; conference and meeting announcements; grant opportunities; publications and material descriptions; and updates on mental health policies/practices.

As editor, I want to thank the CMHS staff that have helped publish this Consumer Affairs Bulletin. I especially want to acknowledge Paolo del Vecchio. I am fortunate to have him as my colleague and guide as we address and promote consumer/survivor issues and meaningful involvement.

We are extremely grateful to the many consumers/survivors that have contributed their comments and suggestions. We look forward to your continued participation and support. We want and need your ideas. As the saying goes, "we're in touch, so you be in touch."

It is so important to communicate-the Consumer Affairs Bulletin hopes to lead the way.

Serving as a real matchmaker between consumers/survivors and CMHS is not only my job, but also my goal.

Iris Hyman
(301) 443-9824

Consumer Affairs Bulletin
Volume 1, No. 1 Winter 1996