Governor Rowland: Number 20

WHEREAS, mental health is a serious concern to the well being of Connecticut residents, and accordingly, I recently established a Blue Ribbon Commission on Mental Health to study the issue of mental illness and make recommendations on how the State can improve treatment, prevention, access and other issues relating to mental health; and

WHEREAS, the Blue Ribbon Commission on Mental Health developed recommendations relating to expanding access to services, improving management and financing of services, involving consumers and families as equal partners, and developing public education and primary prevention capabilities for reducing the stigma associated with psychiatric disabilities; an

WHEREAS, a comprehensive and cohesive approach is necessary for implementing the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Mental Health and a vehicle must be established to facilitate action on these recommendations;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, John G. Rowland, Governor of the State of Connecticut, acting by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the statutes of this state, so hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

1.	That there be created a permanent Mental Health Policy Council (hereinafter Council) to encourage mental health awareness and to promote the accessibility and quality of mental health services for Connecticut residents across the life cycle;
2.	That the Council, through regular meetings and briefings, will
	a.	provide the Governor with updates on efficient ways to expand access to mental health care through improved service structures for children and adults;
	b.	advise the Governor of ways to expand and encourage collaborative interagency approaches to planning and delivering mental health services;
	c.	make recommendations on how the State can improve prevention efforts and treatment services by including the perspective of the consumer and advocacy communities as to what is in the best interests of consumes and their families;
	d.	evaluate and explore options to improve financing and management of mental health services;
	e.	recommend comprehensive health education programs that focus on access to a wide variety of treatment and support resources, prevention, and early detection; and
	f.	collaborate, as necessary, with experts in the mental health community to better ascertain the needs of community and to advise the Council on ways to achieve their goals.
3.	That the Council shall be chaired by the Commissioners of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Children and Families and shall consist of the following members (or their designees):
	a.	the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management;
	b.	the Commissioner of Education;
	c.	the Commissioner of Public Health;
	d.	the Commissioner of Social Services;
	e.	the Commissioner of Correction;
	f.	the Commissioner of Insurance;
	g.	the Commissioner of Labor;
	h.	the Commissioner of Mental Retardation;
	i.	the Commissioner of Health Care Access;
	j.	the Managed Care Ombudsman;
	k.	the Commissioner of Public Safety;
	l.	the Chief Court Administrator;
	m.	the Chief State�s Attorney;
	n.	the Chief Public Defender;
	o.	the Chairman of the Board of Parole;
4.	That Chairpersons and the Council shall invite members of the Governor�s Blue Ribbon Commission on Mental Health to participate in the functions and duties of the Council as necessary, giving special consideration to consumer input and participation.
5.	The Council shall work with the Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council;
6.	That this order shall take effect on November 29, 2000.