Posted on April 7, 2017
HARTFORD – State Reps. Kathleen McCarty (R-38) and Mike France (R-42) stood at the podium yesterday at the Capitol during a legislative breakfast hosted by the Eastern Regional Mental Health Board (ERMHB) to express their support for Connecticut’s mental health services.
“It is important that we recognize the value and effectiveness of the Regional Mental Health Boards that advocate for the mental health needs of their communities. The Regional Mental Health Boards are unique in that they provide oversight and evaluation for state-funded mental health services,” said Rep. McCarty, who has introduced and co-sponsored many mental health and I/DD supporting bills. “I will continue to work with and support the Eastern Regional Mental Health Board that has been such a powerful voice in improving the lives of individuals experiencing mental health challenges.”
“My first interaction with the ERMHB happened nine years ago when my daughter participated in an essay contest in 7th grade, earning first place for her essay on mental illness,” said Rep. France. “After my election in 2014, I met the ERMHB Director Jennifer Gross, whose husband I had served with during my last tour in the Navy. Through her leadership, I came to understand the importance of community-based advocacy organizations like these. The work they do is so valuable to our communities; they are a model for how we ought to be providing services. With a very small budget, the ERMHB leverages over a hundred extremely dedicated volunteers who have such compassion and an ability to create personal, meaningful relationships with those in need of services. We need to continue to provide this funding to better serve the residents of Connecticut.”
The Eastern Regional Mental Health Board is located in Norwich, CT and is one of Connecticut’s five regional boards. It is a consumer and family-driven, independent oversight body that uses a grassroots-style advocacy model to serve as the citizens’ voice in mental health policy. Its main goal is to close the gap in unmet mental healthcare needs while maximizing scarce resources needed to foster positive changes that promote recovery and independence. Due to Connecticut’s dire fiscal climate, the mental health system continues to shrink at a dangerous rate, stretching services to the breaking point, and putting thousands of our state’s most vulnerable citizens at risk. For more information, please visit www.changingmindsct.org. Spread awareness about breaking down barriers by using #SaveOurVoice.