“Community Service Partnership” - Augusta 4

“Community Service Partnership”

“Community Service Partnership” is the theme for the second annual legislative function open free to the public, Holiday Inn Golf and Conference Center, Staunton, 5:30-7:30 pm, Tuesday, August 14. Light refreshments will be available. ARC of Augusta, Augusta Medical Center, Mental Health Association of Augusta, Shenandoah Valley Social Services, and Valley Community Services Board sponsor the event.

Sponsoring representatives state that the purpose of the forum is to discuss the necessary community partnership for effective response to community needs. James Mahoney, Valley Community Services Board Chair, will be the moderator for the evening. Partnership representatives from the local law enforcement agencies, Augusta Medical Center, ARC, Mental Health Association of Augusta, and Valley Community Services Board will make presentations. The local Virginia General Assembly candidates for the fall elections will address the current state of mental health, mental retardation, and substance abuse issues during the forum. The public may also ask them questions regarding these issues.

“The MHA-A strives to collaborate with legislators and other mental health advocacy groups to eliminate disparities in mental health services and to promote access to care, stated Ms. Jane Desper, MHA-A Board Member and Public Policy Chair. This legislative forum involving candidates for public office, advocates, consumers, caregivers, interested citizens and service providers brings all of these groups together to learn about the mental health partnership needs in Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County.”

Augusta Medical Center is pleased to be a sponsor for the legislative forum to discuss the mental health successes and needs of our community. As part of a network of providers caring for those in need of mental health treatment AMC sees a responsibility to educate the legislators to the needs of our community. Because a large part of mental health care relies on legislative oversight and funding, it is important to provide opportunities for dialogue and education between providers of care and those in positions to influence the future and better meet the needs in a way that results in favorable outcomes for individuals in our community.

The Arc of Augusta greatly appreciates the strong support and commitment shown by the Governor and the General Assembly last year. Many individuals with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities and their families received supports and services through their efforts. Virginia should continue to look to the future and develop a multi-year plan to ensure that the needs of ALL individuals with disabilities continue to be met at an adequate level.

Partnerships are critical to the success of community treatment. Partnerships between the consumer, their family, private hospitals, the advocacy groups and the community services board result in effective treatment. Valley Community Services Board is proud to be a co-sponsor of this event. Leadership by our state government is critical to the welfare and safety of all individuals with disabilities.