Ohio PAC Proudly Elevates the Voices of Individuals with Mental Health Conditions
Searching for a way to advocate for Ohioans with mental health conditions? If mental health advocacy resonates with you, consider joining the Ohio Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Advisory Council (PAIMI).
A page on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services website about PAIMI programs found here explains that these initiatives operate in all 50 states, as well as in the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the American Indian Consortium for Native Americans. The primary goal of each PAIMI program is to provide legal advocacy and safeguard the rights of both adults and children living with mental illness.
The Ohio PAIMI Advisory Council (PAC) accomplishes the work of the PAIMI program by advising Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) on critical issues and priorities relevant to Ohioans with mental health conditions, elevating the voices of those with lived experiences while contributing to the organization’s annual goals and objectives. According to an article on DRO’s website about the Ohio PAC found here, this federally mandated, volunteer-based council consists of 15 members, with 60% of them being individuals with mental health conditions or family members of those who have experienced mental illness. Consequently, the Chair of Ohio PAC is typically someone living with a mental health condition or a family member of such an individual. Furthermore, the Chair serves on DRO’s Board of Directors.
As mentioned in the article, Trish Risser, Chair of Ohio PAC, noted, “Some of the most important work our PAC contributes to is to help align Ohio’s Protection and Advocacy System’s efforts with what is most important to those experiencing the mental health system, which includes individual advocacy opportunities to address needed changes regarding forced treatment approaches, such as medications provided by community treatment providers ordered by mental health courts and involuntary hospitalization.”
Ohio PAC is comprised of members from diverse backgrounds and experiences across the state. Any Ohio resident can apply to join the PAIMI Advisory Council. Each member serves a four-year term, attends all four full PAC meetings, and participates in one PAC committee. Applications are accepted continuously.
Federal guidelines require at least one representative from the following groups:
– Individuals who have received mental health services
– Parents of minor children who have received mental health services
– An attorney
– A mental health professional
– A mental health service provider
– Other professionals, advocates, friends, and members of the general public with substantial knowledge and commitment to improving mental health services
To apply for membership in the Ohio PAC, submit your application online or download a paper copy and mail or fax it to Disability Rights Ohio.
– Complete an online application form; or
– Download a PDF version of the application form and fax or mail it to:
Disability Rights Ohio
200 Civic Center Drive, Suite 300
Columbus, OH 43215
Fax: 614-644-1888
If you have any questions, feel free to call Disability Rights Ohio at 1-800-282-9181.
