NAMI Michigan Consumer Council

Annual Report 2005-2006

The consumer council representative is Leslie Sladek; co-chairs are Toni Moorian and Carl Evers. Carl and Leslie participated in an "In Our Own Voice training" in May 2005. Many other consumers participated as well, (more information on IOOV is in the Education report).

This year there has been a great deal of time spent on Advocacy. Many request for information, referrals and various meetings with mental health /disability providers and employees of providers about consumer needs, hopes desires and Recovery. This network is growing with time and it is the hope of the council that consumers are being informed and educated to their choices and what they can do for themselves. Many consumers attended the Advocacy Training in their area presented by Mark Rhinestien of Michigan Mental Health Association.

Time has been focused on sharing the most up to date information with consumers about Medicare Part D and how this will or will not affect them, through emails, the NAMI newsletter and a mailing to all open doors members. Many of the emails go out to our consumer list, which we hope to continue to grow; others go out to the consumer list and NAMI board members and affiliation leaders, in which their assistance has been requested.

Outreach is a challenge, as many consumers do not have emails or transportation to attend meetings. We depend on the good will of others to share consumer information with consumers in their area in the best manner possible. We are always open to suggestions and support in this area.

We are asking consumers and others to share what is happening in their communities, both the good and the not so good so that we can learn from each other. The size of Michigan and the large rural areas are a challenge for the Michigan Consumer Council and NAMI Michigan. In working together we can overcome this challenge but it takes work and commitment from many. Consumers need mentors from their community. Peer mentors as well as community leaders and volunteers. Consumers can and are Recovering, through their efforts and the efforts of others, i.e. workers, family members, NAMI members, and peers. We need to be a vital member of NAMI affiliations if NAMI is to advocate for consumer needs. Treatment and Medications have changed over the years and so have the needs of most consumers.

We wish to extend our thanks to all who have assisted us in the past year.

Respectfully submitted by

Leslie Sladek

MCC Representative