Consumers and Families: Advocacy

MHRSB Client’s Rights Coordinator/Ombudsman

The client’s rights coordinator is charged with promoting the highest attainable standards of treatment, competency, efficiency and justice for persons receiving behavioral health services. If you would like further information about your rights as a consumer, are concerned that your rights have been violated or have a complaint regarding your care, contact the MHRSB Client’s Rights Coordinator/Ombudsman.

Client’s Rights Coordinator/Ombudsman
Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Stark County
121 Cleveland Avenue SW
Canton, OH 44702
(330) 455-6644


You may also file a written complaint with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you feel your privacy rights have been violated. You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.

Additional Consumer Support Services
Ombudsman
www.starkmhrsb.org
Anyone who is experiencing psychiatric symptoms who feels they could use a little help from someone who has “been there,” may contact the Ombudsman.  The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Stark County provides the funding for this position.  Because of personal experience, the Ombudsman has learned how to weave through the often complex mental health system.  You will be treated with respect and dignity and your concerns will be treated in a confidential and non-judgmental way.  For assistance or additional information, contact Ombudsman at 330-455-6644.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Support, Education, Advocacy, and Research

From its inception in 1979, NAMI has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

For three decades, NAMI has established itself as the most formidable grassroots mental health advocacy organization in the country. Dedication, steadfast commitment and unceasing belief in NAMI's mission by grassroots advocates have produced profound changes. NAMI's greatest strength is the dedication of our grassroots leaders and members. We are the families, friends and individuals that serve to strengthen communities across the country.

Due in large part to generous individual, corporate, and foundation donations, NAMI is able to build on its success and continue to focus on three cornerstones of activity that offer hope, reform, and health to our American community: Awareness, Education, and Advocacy.

Awareness and Support: A Pathway to Recovery

NAMI's support and public education efforts are focused on educating America about mental illness, offering resources to that in need, and insisting that mental illness become a high national priority. Mental illness is a serious medical illness that affects one in four families. No one is to blame. Treatment works, but only half of people living with mental illness receive treatment. NAMI has engaged in a variety of activities to create awareness about mental illness and promote the promise of recovery.

Education: The Face and Voice of Mental Illness

NAMI offers an array of peer education and training programs, initiatives and services for individuals, family members, health care providers and the general public. NAMI's education and support programs provide relevant information, valuable insight, and the opportunity to engage in support networks. These programs draw on the lived experience of individuals who have learned to live well with mental illness and have been extensively trained to help others, as well as the expertise of mental health professionals and educators. NAMI and volunteer grassroots leaders are committed to education as the pathway to recovery, empowerment and wellness. In addition to education programs and initiatives offered through NAMI National, many of NAMI's over 1,100 affiliates offer an array of support and education programs and activities for families and individuals. Many of NAMI's program offerings are also available in Spanish language and some are also provided by means of translations into other languages.

Advocacy: A Respected Force

NAMI is recognized as the preeminent voice on Capitol Hill and in state houses across the country for the millions of Americans living with serious mental illness. NAMI advocates have fought for policy changes that raise the bar on mental illness care and promote treatment and research on par with other illnesses. NAMI's advocacy provides a unique voice for people who live with mental illness and their families in state and federal public and private-sector policies that facilitate research, end discrimination, reduce barriers to successful life in the community and promote timely, comprehensive and effective mental health services and supports. NAMI National and NAMI grassroots leaders work steadily to influence critical national policy debates as they unfold.

About NAMI Stark

Education and Advocacy Programs:

Family-to-Family

This is a free, 12-week educational course available to family and friends of people diagnosed with a serious mental illness. The course, taught by trained family members, describes treatments for mental illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that family members need to cope more effectively. The course is highly recommended to those new to the challenges of mental illness, as well as for those who have been dealing with it for years.

The Family-to-Family Education Program was created by Dr. Joyce Burland, a psychologist and family member, and is sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. This twelve-class course is especially designed for family members and friends of persons experiencing the effects of mental illness. Primary focus is on three major psychiatric illnesses: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic depression) and major depression. Other topics covered in the program include treatment strategies and coping skills, communication and problem solving.

Classes are team-taught by intensively trained family members. Participants are encouraged to support each other, to be knowledgeable, and to be effective members of a team that includes the family, the consumer, the doctor, and the case manager.

Peer-to-Peer

Peer-to-Peer is a free nine-week (2hrs/wk) course on recovery for any person with a serious mental illness who is interested in establishing and maintaining wellness. The course uses a combination of lecture, interactive exercises and structured group processes.

Hand-to-Hand

Hand-to-Hand is a free nine-week education program for parents, teachers and professionals involved with children at risk for or who have an emotional disturbance/behavioral disorder or mental illness diagnosis. Participants will gain an understanding of issues pertinent to Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD, Depression and Mood Disorders such as Bi-Polar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, OCD, ODD, Conduct Disorder, Schizophrenia and more. Topics covered include:

• Understanding your child's diagnosis
• Developing family coping skills
• Counseling, therapy and treatment
• Medications
• Special educational needs, including the IEP process
• Juvenile justice and child protection agencies
  
  Guidance is given on locating appropriate support and services within the community and obtaining better mental health services. Advocacy for appropriate federal and state policies is also included.