We Made Powerful Connections at the Mental Health Leadership Forum
LOS ANGELES--More than 70 mental health advocates--clients, family
members, SEIU 721 members, and other workers--came together on Saturday
at a Mental Health Leadership Forum sponsored by SEIU 721 and the
Center for Public Accountability to take steps to improve mental health
services in Los Angeles County.
"We
realize that we share a vision of mental health services that create a
client-centered and family-focused way of supporting hope, wellness and
recovery in the lives of people affected by mental illness. We need a
strong partnership to make it happen."
--Akbar Chatman, a substance abuse counselor and SEIU 721 member who moderated the event
"We
realize that we share a vision of mental health services that create a
client-centered and family-focused way of supporting hope, wellness and
recovery in the lives of people affected by mental illness. We need a
strong partnership to make it happen." --Akbar Chatman, a substance abuse counselor and SEIU 721 member who moderated the event
Despite the pain caused by budget cuts and other attacks on services, participants--the people who use and work in the system--agreed that by working together, they can create a powerful movement to improve mental health services.Participants pledged to work together to:
* provide a full continuum of support at the meeting point of homelessness and mental illness
* challenge racial discrimination in the provision of mental health services
* reintegrate people returning from prison to the community
* fight for the full funding needed to end the intolerably long lines caused by a shortage of quality of mental health services.
The forum was about action, not just talk. Participants pledged to forge a partnership for change.
"We must confront power with truth. It was powerful to be in the same room with so many people who share a vision of improved mental health services. I am energized to work together with all my new friends and partners to make our vision a reality."--Osbee Sangster, president of the Black Los Angeles County Client Coalition (BLACCC)
Take action
Join our community coalition and add your vision for mental health services to this movement. Contact Ignacio Garcia at 213-251-3706 for more information.
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