From Representative Insko: Get Organized for a Stronger Consumer Voice.

In mid-December, NC CANSO Board Member Ms. Carol Cannon wrote the following note to Representative Verla Insko. Co-chair of the Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, Representative Insko has long supported more consumer involvement to improve our public system. She has sponsored at least two bills specifically to empower the consumer voice since 2005.

Ms. Cannon’s letter is followed by a comment on Representative Insko’s reply.

Hi. I'm hearing an awful lot lately about how NC seems to be traveling back toward the “Medical Model." Ms. Insko, when is the state going to ask consumers like me who receive the services for our input? I honestly believe that the outcomes would be better if we were actively involved in the decision making. Many of us are very capable of voicing what our needs and concerns are. I realize that I may be preaching to the choir, so to speak. Like so many consumer advocates around the state, however, I'm frustrated. There must be some creative ways to have us involved.
Thanks for doing your best with the LOC.
Sincerely, Carol Cannon

In Representative Insko’s reply, she emphasized the need for persons to affiliate with others in their advocacy efforts. She said that if consumers organize, they can have a stronger voice.

. . . How well we have known. And now it’s TIME!