Consumer & Family Advisory Committee

 

The New River Consumer and Family Advisory Committee (CFAC) is made up of volunteers who are either consumers of mental health, developmental disabilities or substance abuse services (MH/DD/SAS) or family members of these consumers.  The CFAC was established by New River Behavioral HealthCare in May of 2002 in response to State Mental Health Reform Legislation.  The CFAC offers advice and guidance to New River as the Local Management Entity (LME) implements the goals of state mental health reform and develops a new behavioral healthcare system that will ensure that individuals receiving MH/DD/SA services get the highest quality services that they need. 

The New River CFAC has representation from Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Watauga and Wilkes counties. The CFAC members represent men, women, youth, the elderly and various racial and ethnic groups.  No special knowledge or training is required to serve on the committee, just a desire to improve the system. 

The CFAC acts as a powerful voice in its community representing the best interests of individuals and families who receive services through the New River Behavioral HealthCare Local Management Entity and the LME’s network of providers. 

Responsibilities of the Consumer and Family Advisory Committee

The CFAC works as a constructive partner with the Administrative Staff and Board of Directors of the New River Behavioral HealthCare Local Management Entity.  The CFAC:

      Talks to people in the community about which services are needed and how they can be improved.  CFAC members serve as a voice of the people to share this information with the LME.

      Offers recommendations to the LME on areas of service development and service array including identifying and serving minority populations.

      Participates in the development of quality improvement methods and offers recommendations to the LME on quality improvement and quality assurance activities.

      Reviews and reports on the implementation of state and local business plans. 

Committee Information

      The CFAC meetings are held at the local New River Behavioral HealthCare county offices on the third Tuesday evening of each month at 6:00.  The committee alternates its meeting site between Watauga and Wilkes County.  

      A light dinner is served before each meeting.

      New River provides the following supports for CFAC members:  staff support, transportation to the meetings (if needed and requested), mileage reimbursement, reimbursement for child and adult care, training opportunities and a stipend for member attendance and participation at monthly CFAC Meetings.

For More Information: 

      CFAC Application for Membership

      CFAC Schedule of Meetings

      CFAC Monthly Meeting Minutes

      CFAC Annual Report

Interested?

If you would like to attend a meeting or learn more about the CFAC, please call the New River CFAC Liaison at 828-264-9007  or e-mail at greenec@newriver.org.

Home | Contact us | Privacy Policy