Today at the state house was a huge success. Hundreds showed up for the rally. The commissioner made a convincing speech to the legislature and was even complimented a few times on how she is handling her task of improving community resources and having a plan to meet the needs of consumers that are coming out of the hospitals. She also was well prepared to speak on behalf of us consumers who need our respective communities to stay well.
In the wake of the commissioner's decision to close four of our state hospitals the message on the 22nd should be targeted on how the community services will change and benefit those with a diagnosis. The commissioner will address the legislature on how we can transform the system for the better.
February 22nd is a very important date. This will be the day our legislators will hear from us about the financial crisis that is looming for 2013. Please participate in a rally at the state house in support of our commissioner. Look in the Newsletter section down at the bottom for a flyer announcing the upcoming event.
It is time to engage our Legislators about the budget and our needs as individuals. In the newsletter section you will find tips on writing your legislator and sample letters you could use to express yourself. Form is very important so read the "Do's and Dont's". This years budget could be disastrous if we don't start and maintain a relationship with our governing bodies.
Wings Fall Newsletter is now online.
SAMHSA technical assistance did a spotlight piece on our organization. Check it out in the newsletter section.
Check out our newsletter section. It has newsletters that go back years and our current resource guide
WINGS has recently been trained as certified peer specialist trainers. There will be two follow up trainings in August and October where we will train new peer specialists. We also hope to train any peer specialists in WRAP so we can spread wellness and recovery throughout the state.
Do you think the new hospital in Tuscaloosa should be named Bryce? Let us know what you think by sending us an email or giving us a call!
Help support the Bryce Preservation Project. Donate a brick with an inscription on it for the memorial cemetary. http://www.mh.alabama.gov/BryceHospitalProject/participate.html
The "What a Difference a Friend Makes" program encourages people 18 to 25 years old to support their friends after a mental health diagnosis. Check out http://www.whatadifference.org for more information.
Wings Across Alabma was awarded the Statewide Consumer Network Grant. Wings received one of twelve grants awarded by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration. http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0910073134.aspx
Welcome to WingsAlabama.org
CONTACT: Wings Across Alabama is a non-profit organization for consumers of mental health services with a dedication to making positive change in the lives of consumers through education, advocacy, training, services, and technical assistance as well as through building a strong network of consumers across Alabama with the recognition that inclusion, peer support, true community involvement and participation, self-empowerment, and quality mental health services are KEY ingredients to recovery.
