The invitation for consumers and family members to participate in helping shape the public behavioral health system in Nebraska has never been stronger!

The Inclusion Task Force, Nebraska Health and Human Services Office of Consumer Affairs, and Senator Jim Jensen along with other representatives of the Nebraska Legislature Health and Human Services Committee invite consumers and their family members to attend a number of open discussion forums created as an avenue in letting your voice be heard.

The Inclusion Task Force was developed with a focus of ensuring consumers and family members the opportunity for meaningful participation in every phase of the planning and delivery of behavioral health services. Composed of consumers, family members, advocates, mental health professionals, and concerned citizens alike, the Inclusion Task Force began meeting in May of 2006. Guided by the Nebraska Reissued Revised Statute 71-803 mandating consumer inclusion at the state, regional, and local levels, members of the Inclusion Task Force are committed to working collaboratively toward its adherence.

Representatives on the Inclusion Task Force stand firm that sufficient numbers of consumers and family members alike must be present in order to have a true impact on the process of transforming children and adults mental health services. Additionally, the Inclusion Task Force expects consumer and family member involvement at all levels, including framing the issues and setting agendas. The Inclusion Task Force supports full, meaningful participation including actively partaking in governance and policy-making.

Come meet with representatives of the Inclusion Task Force and find out how you can be a part of this movement for consumer empowerment.

Region I – Region I Offices, 4110 Avenue D, Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Thursday, September 7, 2006 at 9:00 a.m.
Region II – Liberty House, 420 West 4th Street, North Platte, Nebraska, Friday, September 8, 2006 at 10:00 a.m.
Region III – TBA
Region IV – TBA
Region V – Midtown Center, 2966 “O” Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 2:00 p.m.
Region VI – Dale Clark Public Library, 15th and Douglas Streets, Omaha, Nebraska, Monday, September 18, 2006 at 1:00 p.m.

Nebraska Health and Human Services Office of Consumer Affairs is coordinating a statewide round of communication forums for consumers, family and supporters. The guiding principles of this process include: providing a venue for broad-based consumer participation; ensure the freedom for expression and advocacy; ensure increased visibility, access and presence of the consumer voice in the Division, Regions and with providers; and to advocate for consumer recovery and empowerment.

Focus questions to be presented at such forums include:

Q1. How do you currently practice input into behavioral health services in your area?
Q2. What would be some new ways of making a difference in services and service delivery?
Q3. How do you think you could have a stronger voice for yourself and others?
Q4. How might having a consumer office in each Region be of benefit to you and/or other consumers? What would be the downside, if any?
Q5. If a consumer position were established, what would you want the person to do? List job functions.

Region I – Cirrus House, 1509 1st Avenue, Scottsbluff, Nebraska, September 12, 2006 at 9:45 a.m.
Region II – Frontier House, 114 South Chestnut, North Platte, Nebraska, September 13, 2006 at 10:00 a.m.
Region III – Region III Offices, 4009 6th Avenue, Suite 65, Kearney, Nebraska, September 22, 2006 at 4:00 p.m.
Region III – Friendship House, 406 West Koenig Street, Grand Island, Nebraska, September 22, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
Region IV – Liberty Center, 900 East Norfolk, Norfolk, Nebraska, September 15, 2006 at 10:00 a.m.
Region V – Midtown Center, 2966 "O" Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, September 27, 2006 at 2:00 p.m.
Region VI – Region 6 Offices, 3801 Harney Street, Omaha, Nebraska, September 29, 2006 at 1:00 p.m.

If you cannot attend one of these events, please contact the Office of Consumer Affairs for future events. For new information, to join the Office of Consumer Affairs mailing list, to ask questions or make comments, call the Consumer Line at 800-836-7660.

Senator Jim Jensen and representatives of the Nebraska Legislature Health and Human Services Committee will be holding meetings with consumers, family members, and consumer advocates. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss and receive input regarding the implementation of behavioral health reform in Nebraska and to discuss and better understand the needs and concerns of consumers and family members in each behavioral health regions.

Region I – Panhandle Mental Health Center, 4110 Avenue D, Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 2:00 p.m.
Region II – First Lutheran Church, 305 W. 5th Street, North Platte, Nebraska, Wednesday, September 27, 2006 at 1:00 p.m.
Region III – Buffalo County Extension Building, 1400 E. 34th Street, Kearney, Nebraska, Monday, October 2, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
Region IV – Region 4 Offices, 206 Monroe Avenue, Norfolk, Nebraska, Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at 1:30 p.m.
Region V – Location TBA, Lincoln, Nebraska, Thursday, October 5, 2006 at 1:00 p.m.
Region IV – Clarkson College, Howard Hall, 101 South 42nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska, Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at 4:30 p.m.