Information Center Bulletin
Volume 1, No. 1 Winter 1996-97

The Information Center Widens Its Net: A Message from the CMHS Director

Welcome to the first issue of the Information Center Bulletin, published by SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center. The Center For Mental Health Services (CMHS) launched the Information Center in 1994 to respond to a growing need for quick and easy access to state-of-the-art information about mental health.

Our vision for the Information Center is that it will serve as a point of contact for all those who want information and who are eager to exchange ideas--including consumers of mental health services, families, the media, policymakers, or those who design, finance, and deliver mental health services.

This inaugural issue of the Information Center Bulletin features a sample of exciting activities occurring between the Information Center and CMHS programs. Through this collaboration, the Center is responding to the Federal Government's call for knowledge development and application programs that quickly transfer practical information to those who need it. As an example, a tool to measure outcomes in psychosocial rehabilitation--recently developed by the International Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services' Research Committee and the Evaluation Center at the Human Services Research Institute--is now available through the Information Center World Wide Web site and the Information Center electronic bulletin board system (BBS).

The Information Center BBS serves as a useful point of contact for people who might not have access to the newest and fastest computer technologies. The bulletin board is a great place to download current information from CMHS, to join discussion forums on various mental health topics, and to interact with consumer advocates and families, as well as professionals. In fact, many CMHS grantees are beginning to use the bulletin board as a way to communicate with one another and with CMHS.

Among other projects, the Information Center is expanding its resources for consumers. For example, the Information Center recently set up a national database of consumers who have offered to serve as resources in their areas of interest. The Information Center also will develop an information kit for consumers that provides useful tips for choosing a therapist, finding supportive employment, and finding decent, affordable housing. The consumer kit will be available through all three of the Information Center's avenues of dissemination--its toll-free telephone number, the Web site, and the BBS.

The Information Center is a work in progress. Since March 1996, we have experienced phenomenal growth in the number of requests we've received--up by 55 percent--and in people signing on to the bulletin board--an increase of 1,350 percent. Early data for the Web site show over 2,100 "hits" in its first 3 months. This increase indicates a real need for the information the Information Center can provide. In addition, the Information Center is adding 15-20 links to other Web sites every month.

I hope you'll take time to explore the ways in which the Information Center can be a useful tool for you. This venture into interactive electronic communications will only be as strong as the people who use it and provide constructive feedback. CMHS and the Information Center are eager to hear from you.

Information Center Bulletin
Volume 1, No. 1