History

     In 1987, a few consumers had been invited to participate in a Community Support Conference where they were introduced to consumer involvement and empowerment issues. As a result, these individuals approached the Office of Behavioral Health Services with plans to establish West Virginia’s first Consumer Affairs Office. By October 1987 the West Virginia Mental Health Consumers Association was incorporated as a non-profit organization. In 1989, the opportunity to become a division of the state mental health system was introduced. Demonstration grants were available to fund this strategy, however, consumers decided that they did not want to be a part of state government and chose to remain an autonomous organization. For the next few years, until 1994, the organization struggled trying to gain respect and a "seat" at the tables.

     Although very active, resources were not available to provide outreach to other consumers and to participate at the needed level of involvement. The comprehensive mental health centers were not responsive to the tiny organization and the battle to be heard continued. After several problems were encountered in acquiring and retaining leaders, the organization was tittering on collapse in the fall of 1994. Two people made up the organization: the executive director, and an executive assistant. The director became overwhelmed by the responsibilities and left the position. A new leader surfaced and became involved in January 1995. Immediately he began to establish a pool of consumers to become involved with the organization. A complete internal restructuring began which utilized skills and talents of all available. While participating in a committee dealing with funding allocations, a decision was made by the state, providers, and consumers to assume responsibility for consumer run programs in the State of West Virginia. This decision to transfer block grant funds into the organization and the acquisition of a grant from the Center of Mental Health Services for the WV Leadership Academy for Consumers and Family Members, provided a means to acquire financial and human resources. In the last two years, WVMHCA has grown from two employees at the Charleston Office to twenty-two employees, fifty-five volunteers serving consumers at eighteen offices throughout the state. We continue to grow and have become a recognizable and influential consumer voice in WV.