Tuesday, August 1, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Governor Strengthens Missouri Mental Health Task Force
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt announced today that three new members will join the Missouri Mental Health Task Force. Blunt formed the intra-agency task force to protect client safety in the state’s mental health system.
“This cooperative state task force has already implemented several action items and improved procedures that will have a significant and lasting impact on client safety and care,” Blunt said. “Adding outside expertise will complement their good work as they continue to review the mental health system to ensure no instances of potential abuse or neglect in public and private facilities are overlooked.”
The new appointments are based on recommendations from Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, the Mental Health Task Force co-chair. The three new members are:
Natalie Woods of Springfield is the president of the Nevada Habilitation Center Family Support Association. Woods is the legal guardian of her sister, who has mental retardation and cerebral palsy, among other disabilities. Woods has been an advocate for people with disabilities and their families for several years.
Wendy Buehler is the president of Life Skills, a St. Louis-based organization that provides services for people with disabilities, helping them to live independently and to find and keep meaningful jobs. Buehler joined Life Skills in 1981 and has served as president since 1997.
Terry Mackey is president of Arthur Center, a community mental health center located in Mexico, MO. Mackey is a parent of three sons with developmental disabilities and serves as Chairperson of the Missouri Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities. Mackey also serves as secretary/treasurer of the Missouri Coalition of Community Mental Health Centers.
“With the addition of these individuals to our task force, our efforts will only be enhanced,” Kinder said. “Their expertise in assisting people with disabilities is impressive giving us the perspective that we must have in making recommendations to improve the quality of life for the people we serve.”
The new members will join co-chairs Kinder and Interim Department of Mental Health Director Ron Dittemore, Ed.D., and previously appointed members for public hearings scheduled for St. Louis, Kansas City, Cape Girardeau, Kirksville, Springfield, and Joplin. The first hearing will be Thursday, August 3, in St. Louis. Additional information, including a schedule of all the hearings and directions on how to testify, is available at www.dmh.mo.gov/mmhtaskforce or by calling the Missouri Department of Mental Health at (573) 751-8091 or toll-free at (800) 364-9687 and asking for the General Counsel’s office.
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