WVMHCA’s offices have been electronically linked via the Internet
for nearly three years. An organization website has been in existence for approximately
one year. The Consumer Voice Newsletter, a publication of WVMHCA, includes relevant
information that is of interest to consumers and has reached thousands of West Virginians.
With this experience in mind, CONTAC is publicizing toll-free numbers (East and West
Coast) and is linking with identified advocacy groups, major professional and trade
associations and other relevant organizations. Experience has indicated that a strong
emphasis on electronic technology is the key to future collaborative efforts. In addition
to traditional newsletters, press releases, national newsletters and other information
sources, it is important to establish a worldwide Internet site, to subscribe to search
engines and network with other online entities that share a similar mission and goals.
CONTAC will build Web Pages for any interested consumer group that are unable to acquire
local resources. CONTAC staff will be used to organize and help educate sites that acquire
the technology. Technology, manpower, a main office and thirteen sites allow for
communication among consumers and supporters in West Virginia and WVMHCA intends to share
both resources and support with others pursuing this mode of communication.
Technical assistance is available by telephone. Experienced qualified staff is
available and can be accessed by toll-free numbers. An ongoing effort to build an
extensive information and referral guide will allow professionals to better link people to
services and resources
The Internet Web site will incorporate information about grants activities,
publications, future meetings, and any other issues of relevancy for consumers and
supporters. Every consumer operation in the United States and territories will have the
potential to share their services, plans, and successes on the World Wide Web. Research
capability will expand as accessibility to data increases and efforts to measure outcome
and success will be initiated by the TAG - Evaluation and Outcome.
Computer/video conferencing for ongoing Technical Assistance and support will be made
available to each group that acquires technical assistance at Level One and is progressing
into organizational development training. E-mail accounts, websites and an accessible
database are of primary importance. Opportunities to obtain additional
technology/equipment will be researched and disseminated as the project progresses.
