What is the Purpose of a Local Advisory Council (LAC)?
The purpose of the LAC is to use the knowledge of a broad range of people including those who utilize services to improve local mental health services and influence state wide policy. Family members, those who provide services, and those who are concerned about public policy are encouraged to participate in the LAC as well. The adult mental health LAC meets to review, evaluate, and make recommendations regarding the local mental health system.
Who are Advisory Council Members?
The Advisory council consists of Adult consumers and family members with a mental illness; providers of services which include a mental health professional, a community support services representative, and others from the participating counties.
Board Members of the LAC
LAC membership is composed of citizens or non-residents with interest in the mental health system. The Adult Mental Health Initiative (NW8) reviews and appoints a chairperson, a vice- chairperson and a secretary all with term limits. Officers are required to have served prior on the council. Applications are available by request.
Partners in the Region One LAC
The eight northwestern most county social services departments in Minnesota are referred to as Region One or the Northwest 8. The counties include Kittson, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau Counties. This partnership of social service directors has combined their separate Local Advisory Councils into one advisory council. Alluma, Crookston, MN and Sanford Behavioral Health, Thief River Falls, MN are two of the participating behavioral health provider partners in the region.
Regional Activities
- Public education activities to promote healthy living, combating mental health stigma, suicide awareness.
- Consumer and family networking
- Connections to resources
- Supportive environment
- Monthly Meetings
**OPEN MEETINGS**
When: First Wednesday of every month
Where: Zoom
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
*For more information or to receive an invitation, email shannon.abrahamson@allumacares.org