North Carolina Residents

State and Local Government

Providers of MH/DD/SA Services

Statistics and Publications

The Consumer Empowerment Team
"Always check it out first on the Consumer Empowerment web page!"

Leadership Training for Consumer and Family Advisory Committees (CFACs) 2008 PowerPoints

We are located across the state of North Carolina (PDF - 7/14/09). Our team ensures consumer and advocacy voice and disability representation in Division planning, implementation, management and improvement efforts. The team is responsible for monitoring the efforts and achievements of the local Consumer and Family Advisory Committees to ensure their empowerment in order to perform their roles and responsibilities.

General Functions

• Serve as the communication link between local CFAC’s and the Division.
• Provide guidance in the development and maintenance of the local and State Consumer and Family Advisory Committee.
• Inform CFAC members of available training and educational opportunities.
• Assist in the development of meaningful quality improvement activities important to consumers, families, and advocates who are representative of all disability perspectives.
• Collaborate with Division staff in order to effectively achieve the desired outcomes.
• Participate in state and local initiatives to provide public awareness of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services efforts to reduce stigma and increase community capacity to honor persons with disabilities as full citizens.

Are you Interested in Serving on a Consumer and Family Committee?

• State Consumer and Family Advisory Committee
• Local Consumer and Family Advisory Committee Information & Websites
• Local Management Entities (LMEs)

Current Topics of Interest

• Person Centered Planning
• Peer Support Credentialing in NC
• Opportunities for Consumer and Family Involvement
• Mental Health Recovery Resources
• NC Advanced Health Care Directive Registry
• National Resource Center on Psychiatric Advance Directives
• Who Represents Me? (a link to the North Carolina General Assembly)

Advocacy Organizations

Webster defines “Advocate” as one who speaks or writes in support of another or a cause. When in the midst of transition, consider contacting one of the following organizations to assist with questions and answers surrounding your specific advocacy needs.

• Alcohol and Drug Council of N.C.
• American Association on Mental Retardation
• Association of Self-Advocates of N.C.
• Brain Injury Association of North Carolina
• Disability Rights NC
• Educational Resources
• Mental Health Association
• NAMI NC
• National Resources
• NC Consumer Advocacy Networking Support Organization (NC-CANSO)
• NC Council on Developmental Disabilities
• NC Guardianship Association
• NC Housing Coalition
• NC Mental Health Consumer Organization
• NC Statewide Independent Living Council
• North Carolina Guardian ad Litem
• The Arc of NC

Self-Help Resources

• Alanon & Alateen
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Bulimia
• Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• Dual Recovery Anonymous
• Food Addicts Anonymous
• Gamblers Anonymous
• NAMI NC Support Programs for Individuals and Families
• Nar-Anon
• Narcotics Anonymous
• North Carolina Problem Gambling Program
• Overeaters Anonymous

Current Consumer Information

• Disability Information.Gov
  
  
• NC careLINK
  
  

  This website provides up-to-date information about programs and services across North Carolina for families, seniors, youths and everyone in-between. It is a collaborative effort of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and many other government and non-profit information and referral stakeholders across North Carolina.

• Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)
• Ticket-to-work

Reports

• Division of MH/DD/SAS Reports and Publications

Frequently Asked Question

Q: How can I get involved in my local community?

A: Become a member of your local CFAC.