Dissemination
CONTAC maintains a national Website that allows space for local, state, regional or
national consumer affiliates. Within this site an online survey will be provided that
addresses important issues in the mental health system. Web site contributors are
encouraged to submit issues to CONTAC for publishing on the net. CONTAC will index issues
on state and national letters with a specialized page for immediate action. Electronic
media, telephone and mail can be used in submission of this material. A comprehensive
electronic and conventional mailing list of policy makers, legislators and other
interested parties will be established and maintained as part of CONTAC’s day by day
responsibilities.
The use of individualized Web Sites greatly enhances the availability of
current information for consumer-operated programs. In addition, a data base of
relevant research, evaluation, and other demonstration studies, as well as programmatic
efforts and critical experts and resources, will be made available online. Information
will be appropriately indexed and linked to other relevant information and resources.
CONTAC anticipates working with the Knowledge Exchange Network to provide the most up to
date materials possible for distribution in downloadable files or hard copy.
As previously stated, there are a variety of means available to disseminate and share
knowledge. Toll-free numbers at CONTAC headquarters in West Virginia and the West Coast
allow people to acquire information or link to appropriate sources.
A quarterly newsletter will include Fact Sheets on current critical topics. As the web
sites expand, a source of innovative consumer programs will be made available on line. In
year two of the grant, a hard copy compendium will be created listing resources of key
organizations, agencies and programs concerned with the consumer movement. The compendium
will be offered free of charge if downloaded from the Internet.
CONTAC is committed to be where ever consumers are gathered at national, regional and
local levels. During conferences, workshops and seminars, staff will meet with consumers
and request feedback so that appropriate technical assistance may be provided.
WVMHCA has experience in conference planning. Having worked the last three years with
the Leadership Academy Conference, Consumer Retreat, the WV Community Support Conference
and others, CONTAC will have or solicit the resources needed for coordinating successful
conference goals. CONTAC anticipates working collaboratively with other Technical
Assistance Centers to bring about Alternatives, and assisting consumer representatives in
states that acquire the Conference Grant offered in May 1998. In addition, quarterly
meetings will be requested and scheduled with leaders from the other Technical Assistance
Centers in order strategize and coordinate assistance in a fiscally prudent fashion.
