“Connecting to Ensure Success” - September 1

“Connecting to Ensure Success” is the theme for the third annual
legislative function open free to the public, Holiday Inn Golf and
Conference Center, Staunton, 5:30-7:30 pm, Tuesday, September 30.
Light refreshments will be available. ARC of Augusta, Augusta
Medical Center, Mental Health Association of Augusta, 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. Representatives from
Augusta Medical Center, ARC, Mental Health Association of Augusta,
and Valley Community Services Board will make presentations. The
local Virginia General Assembly members 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 General Assembly, 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.

Partnership connections are critical to the success of community
treatment. The connections between the consumer, their family,
private hospitals, the advocacy groups and the community services
board result in effective treatment and success. 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.