(Editor's Note; The following letter is being distributed throughout the communities of Mental Health consumers, ex-patients, and survivors. There is contact information so you can get an application. It's a chance to have your voice heard by providers of service and the state Department of Health and Human Services.)

October 23, 2006
Dear Consumer,

The Transitional Planning Group (TPG) is tasked with establishing a Statewide Consumer Council System. Recently we were notified of the development of Community Service Networks (CSNŐs) located in seven areas of Maine. Providers of core services throughout the state of Maine that have contracts with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will be required to have representation in these networks. Peer service are included as one of the core services.

A primary goal of the CSN will be to coordinate services so that adult consumers of mental health services can receive all needed services in their home network area. The CSNŐs will be responsible for the provision of comprehensive mental health services.

DHHS is invested in having consumers as equal members on the Community Service Networks. When the Local Consumer Councils are fully developed, membership from each local council will have representation on their area Community Service Network. However, development of the Consumer Council System is in its earliest stages at this time. In lieu of consumer council membership the TPG has the responsibility to appoint one consumer to each of the CSNŐs for a one-year term. These individuals will join with consumers from peer programs who have contracts with DHHS to bring a strong consumer voice to the CSNŐs.

Consumers interested in effecting positive change in services in their local community are encouraged to apply.

Consumers chosen will be expected: to commit to monthly meetings for the length of one year; to provide their own transportation to meetings and will be provided with mileage reimbursement; to network and communicate with consumers in the geographic area; to listen and represent the needs and ideas of others;

If you are interested in one of these positions, please forward an application by November 7, 2006 to: TPG, 11 King Street, Augusta, Maine 04330 or email to donnapackard@aol.com
The first meeting is expected to be set during the week of November 11.

Applications are available at http://www.thenetwork123.com . You may call Leticia Huttman of the Office of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-588-5511.

Sincerely,

110406