Consumer Survivor Network Represents Mental Health Consumers’ Interests in Minnesota and Nationally

Through our advocacy work we strive to build a healthcare system that:

• Combats the stigmatization of those with mental illness.
• Offers quality services accessible to all, regardless of income and county of residence;
• Is culturally appropriate to the needs of diverse populations;
• Respects the contributions of people who themselves have experienced mental illness;
• Integrates a model of recovery into all treatments.

The Consumer Survivor Network is the only organized body of consumers and survivors of mental health care services. United under the slogan “Nothing About us, Without Us,” we represent our interests to policy makers, health care administrators, and advocate organizations working on our behalf and local officials.

Representing consumer interests locally:

1. CSN working with William Conley and Associates, monitors and promotes legislation in line with our values and mission. We are currently working with our membership to define our 2007 legislative priorities.
2. CSN is a member of the State Advisory Council for Mental Health, Local Advisory Councils, and Initiative Administrative Boards.
3. CSN helped to insure passage of the Mental Health Act 2001 in collaboration with over two-dozen other mental health organization members of the Mental Health Legislative Network of Minnesota.
4. CSN works through group advocacy, information and referral, action and public speaking to reduce the terrifying effects of the stigma of mental illness.
5. CSN is a member of the Minnesota Mental Health Action Group.

Representing consumer interests nationally:

1. CSN consumers presented programs on Warmlines, and the CSN Consumer Survey 2000 at the 2000 Alternatives conference.
2. CSN consumers met with CMHS in Chicago to discuss consumer concerns and to highlight CSN activities.
3. CSN consumers participated in the Consumer Partnership Platform for Change, a national consumer forum hosted by the NAMI Consumer Council.
4. CSN is a participating member of the National Association of Consumer/Survivor Mental Health Administrators.
5. CSN is a founding member of the National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations.
6. In 2005 and 2006, the CSN presented at the only national conference for and of consumers, the Alternatives Conference.
7. CSN is a member of the Network Grantee Advisory Committee through SAMSHA.