Mission

The mission of the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network is to promote recovery through advocacy, education, employment, empowerment, peer support, and self-help, and to unite as one voice to support the priorities set each year at the annual statewide peer conference.

history

Since its inception, the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network has striven to improve the quality of life for Georgians living with behavioral health challenges by taking a leadership role in statewide and local initiatives that create positive change in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. A few key milestones include:

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• 20 To Work By 2000 —The Consumer Network’s nationally acclaimed employment initiative strove to move 20 percent of all peers in day programs into jobs in the community.

• Since 1992 has hosted one of the largest statewide annual peer conventions in the nation.

• Provides Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and WRAP for Work trainings statewide.

• Facilitates Double Trouble in Recovery groups statewide for people in recovery from behavioral health challenges.

• Publishes a quarterly newsletter called "The Pipeline."

• Supports Recovery Through the Arts.

• Implemented the Georgia Certified Peer Specialist Project.

• Conduct the Georgia Consumer Satisfaction Survey.

• Provide Mental Health First Aid training.

• Developed the Peer Mentoring Project to assist peers transitioning out of regional hospitals into communities.

• Opened five Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers to provide peer support, daily wellness activities, 24/7 warm lines, and 3 respite beds per center.

• Conduct the Georgia Peer Support Institute.

goals

• Host an annual peer conference that promotes recovery and wellness, and identifies the top priorities of consumers of behavioral health services statewide.

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• Promote employment with emphasis on quality jobs that foster true independence.

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• Offer training opportunities for peers, including the Certified Peer Specialist Project and Whole Health Wellness Coaching.

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• Support the development of new peer leaders through the Georgia Peer Support Institute.

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• Support peer access to transportation.

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• Support the expansion of Recovery Through the Arts and the Double Trouble in Recovery program.

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• Promote peer supports and wellness, including the Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers.

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2019-2020 top five priorities

1. Affordable, accessible, and supported housing

2. Increased wages for Certified Peer Specialists

3. Access to affordable medical, dental, eye care, and medication

4. Employment and supported employment

5. Greater access to behavioral health services for people who are homeless

board

The Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network Board of Directors reflects the strength and diversity of Georgia's robust behavioral health recovery community. Current board members include:

funding

The Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network is funded by grants, contracts, donations, and membership fees.