黑料正能量 Note: The following testimony in support of SAMHSA鈥檚 efforts at yesterday鈥檚 House Investigative and Oversight Committee is shared by 黑料正能量 and countless other mental health consumer, provider and family groups across the states and nation.
SAMHSA鈥檚 tireless efforts, especially over the past few years, to provide detailed guidance in the form of almost weekly reports, webinars and toolkits and periodic training and conference events have been crucial aids to help advance effective, wellness and recovery supports for tens of millions of recovering Americans and their families and the communities in which they live.
SAMHSA funds have strategically been used to help states to launch a number of critically needed treatment, rehabilitation, housing and support services across our nation.
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People with Psychiatric Diagnoses Attest: SAMHSA Mental Health Programs Save Lives
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Washington (5/22/13) – Today, as a Congressional Subcommittee holds a hearing on the effectiveness of federal grant programs for mental health services, the National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery (), a coalition of 32 statewide organizations representing individuals with mental health conditions, reports that these programs are saving the lives of people with the most serious of mental health challenges and helping them recover.
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鈥淪AMHSA has supported hope and recovery through evidence-based recovery-focused services, treatments and supports that work听for people with severe mental health conditions,鈥 said Daniel B. Fisher, M.D., Ph.D., a National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery board member and a person who himself recovered from schizophrenia.
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People with lived experience of mental health challenges have not been invited to speak at any of the mental health hearings called by House Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chair Tim Murphy (R-PA), including today鈥檚 hearing, entitled 鈥淪AMHSA鈥檚 Role in Delivering Services to the Severely Mentally Ill.鈥
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鈥淎s a national organization comprising people who both use these services and deliver such services to others, NCMHR attests that SAMHSA鈥檚 competitive grant programs are bringing lifesaving services to children and adults in thousands of American communities,鈥 said NCMHR director Lauren Spiro.
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鈥淭hese services reach out to the people who are most isolated and provide hope and connection with others, as well as helping them access the community-based services and supports that they need. With such help, people with even the most severe mental health conditions are rebuilding their lives by becoming engaged in their community and entering or re-entering the workforce, which often results in the reduction of use of costly services.鈥
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One of the SAMHSA-funded initiatives that have made an enormous difference in the lives of people diagnosed with serious mental health issues is the 鈥淎lternatives鈥 conference. For over two decades, this annual conference has brought together thousands of people with mental health issues to learn and share skills relating to recovery, advocacy, peer support services, holistic wellness practices, and creative expression. The conference attracts expert speakers from around the world presenting innovative, cutting-edge programs and practices. 鈥淣owhere else but Alternatives are such important skills taught on such a large-scale basis,鈥 said Dr. Fisher.
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Besides vitally important knowledge and skills, the Alternatives conference and other SAMHSA-funded initiatives offer hope to those who most need it.
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“At the age of 19 I was placed on disability and told of all the limitations my life held due to my diagnosis with a serious mental illness,鈥 said Amy Pierce, president of Texas Catalyst for Empowerment. 鈥淭oday I am a taxpaying citizen, a valued employee and, most recently, a new homeowner. This was all made possible because people shared with me their vision of recovery and that my diagnosis did not limit my life. I no longer take from the system. I contribute to society not only from the taxes I pay, but the service work I do.”
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Contact: Daniel B. Fisher, M.D. Ph.D., 877-246-9058, info@ncmhr.org
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