House Republican Press Release

 

 

 

December 17, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 

A VIEW FROM THE INSIDE

State Representative Ruth Fahrbach

 

Web site part of overall effort to transform

state’s mental healthcare system

 

 Though it’s not as overt as it was several years ago, there is still a negative stigma attached the many mental illnesses. The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is attempting to overcome that stigma through a series of positive changes, including a new Web site: www.CT.networkofcare.org.

According to the Web page, the site is made possible through state and private partnerships and is committed to promoting access to behavioral health care information for all residents of Connecticut. This Web site is a resource for individuals, families and agencies concerned with mental health. It provides information about mental health services, laws, and related news, as well as communication tools and other features.

The Web site also indicates the Network of Care is intended to be a comprehensive, Internet-based community resource for people with mental illness, as well as their caregivers and service providers.

The site provides a directory to put people in touch with the right services at the right time. It also offers vital information about diagnoses, insurance and advocacy, as well as daily news from around the world concerning behavioral health. This tool enables visitors find pertinent behavioral health Web sites, keep personal records, and communicate directly with elected officials.

If you are looking for mental health services that may be available to you, there is a link on the Web site that can be useful in your search. You can look for behavioral health services in your area by category, program/agency name or keyword searches.

Other resources or groups that can be of assistance to those seeking help or information with regard to mental health include:

 - Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. A Connecticut-based mental health educational and advocacy organization directed by individuals currently or formerly experiencing psychiatric disabilities. The organization's Advocacy Education Program provides extensive training in community advocacy. (860) 667-0460 or 1-800-573-6929.

 - Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center. A non-profit organization that provides advice and support to parents of children with disabilities regarding educational opportunities, legal rights, and resources. Offers telephone consultation, workshops, newsletter, and a lending library of books, fact sheets, and videotapes. (860)739-3089 or 1-800-445-2722 (CT only). 

 - INFOLINE directory of community services. Callers to Infoline's statewide toll-free numbers (211 or 1-800-203-1234) will be directed to appropriate service agencies and organizations through a public/private partnership of United Way and the State of Connecticut. Available 24 hours a day every day of the year.

 - Mental Health Association of Connecticut, Inc.  Located at 20-30 Beaver Road in Wethersfield. (860)529-1970.Toll-free number in Connecticut: 1-800-842-1501.

The Mental Health Association of CT provides information for Connecticut residents and families and provides access to referrals to mental health clinics and private practitioners and sponsors support groups around the state.

 

If you would like more information on the Network of Care and do not have internet access, you can call DMHAS directly at (860) 418-6738. 

 

State Rep. Ruth Fahrbach represents the 61st District, including Suffield, and parts of Windsor and East Granby, in the General Assembly.