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CONSUMER VIEWPOINTS <br /> A lot of people got tired of the way mental health services in North <br /> Carolina were, and complained to their lawmakers enough that a reform law was <br /> passed. The goal of this reform law is to create a whole new system of care that <br /> is fair, uniform throughout the state, easier to access, aimed at those who need <br /> help most and available regardless of People's ability to pay. It is still in the <br /> planning stages and it is called the State Plan. <br /> Part of the law states that consumers will have a big part in planning and <br /> overseeing the whole system, both at the state level and in their own <br /> communities. Consumers will have real power because it is built into the new <br /> law. The law states that mental health officials must seek our input and opinions <br /> and prove they are listening to us in every step of building the new system. <br /> That's why it really does matter that you speak up and say your opinion about the <br /> services you get and the way want them to be in the future. <br /> You can go to the local committee meetings, call yourArea Program <br /> Office, or call orwrhe to the State Division of Health and Human Services. They <br /> are listening because they have tol <br /> You can visit www came state nc memhddsas for information. <br /> Laura Eaateding <br /> Most of the broad outlines of what the new State Plan comprises have and <br /> will be defined, descnbel, or delineated in Raleigh. However, each Local <br /> Management Entity(WE) has responsibility for creating a local business plan. <br /> The group creating this local business plan has a strong desire to hear <br /> comments, complaints, and the occasional compliment before it sends Its <br /> proposed plan to Raleigh. They'd rather hear it now than later. Thus,the <br /> Consumer and Family Advisory Group was born, people who are interested <br /> themselves and who also are interested in getting input from other people who <br /> don't happen to be in the room at the time.' <br /> The group has met twice so far and elected a set of officers. The group <br /> intends to assemble comments regarding the process of making a local business <br /> plan, the proposed plan, and later the plan as it impacts the public. It may not do <br /> anything, but hopefully it will point out what we think should be done. At least <br /> from a couple dozen points of view. <br /> - Stephen Haabig <br />