What is the Consumer Affairs Program?
In 1995, CMHS hired its first consumer affairs specialist. As the consumer movement grew, so, too, did the number of CMHS Consumer Affairs staff. Today, the Consumer Affairs Program, within the Office of the CMHS Director, plays a lead role in developing and implementing consumer information activities, supporting consumer-operated networks, and coordinating CMHS anti-stigma efforts. The Program works in partnership with other Federal agencies, as well as with public and private health and human service agencies, to develop standards and guidelines for mental health services, ensure that consumer mental health needs receive adequate attention, and promote consumer participation in services. What does the Consumer Affairs Program do? The Consumer Affairs Program exists to amplify the voice of recipients of mental health services by promoting and facilitating meaningful consumer participation in all aspects of CMHS programs. In August 2000, CMHS announced the formation of a Consumer/Surv
