May 19th – 20th, (2016) SAMHSA held an annual grantee meeting for Statewide Consumer and Family Networks. I accompanied our Consumer Network’s Project Director, Sandra McQueen-Baker to Rockville, Maryland and attended the conference with her. Here are some of my take-aways.
Paolo del Vecchio, Center for Mental Health Services Director, addressed the grantees by presenting on health, home, purpose and community. He also discussed the new uses of technology connecting service recipients to supports.
LaVerne Miller of Policy Research Associates made herself available for questions on the topic “Record Maintenance”.
During the breakout sessions I chose to attend “Developing Data Systems”. I was hoping to learn how to make tracking data an easier, less painful process. I left the session with a better appreciation for the reasons we use data in the first place. Susan Foster from BRSS TACS helped me see the bigger picture.
Nev Jones from the Felton Institute shared her expertise as a researcher and evaluator. She clarified for me that we collect data to generate evidence, influence policy and make the case for what works.
Sarah Nicholson shared Nebraska Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health’s inspiring growth. Sarah pointed out the need for different levels of surveys, and for asking the right questions.
The general sessions and guest speakers were inspiring, but for me the breakout sessions were the most useful. They gave us practical suggestions to help us carry on the work of our Statewide Consumer Network .
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