Central Appalachian Network of Mental Health Advocates

Vision Statement:

We aspire to improve access, quality, and capacity of mental health care in Central Appalachia through the development of a network linking mental health providers, other professionals, consumers, peer support and other community organizations and members.

Mission Statement:

Due to the high rate of mental illness, substance use, and developmental disabilities arising from the region’s poverty and other social determinants, we have come together as a group of mental health professionals and social scientists from institutes of higher learning in Central Appalachia, supported by the American Psychiatric Association’s Division of Diversity and Health Equity.  We are establishing a regional network of mental health providers, other professionals, consumers, peer support and other community organizations and members to centralize advocacy, outreach, and evidence-based treatment for mental, substance, and developmental conditions to improve the lives of all people in Central Appalachia.

Goals or benefits that could from such a network.  These included:

• A directory for Primary Care and other providers and stakeholders of mental health resources in Central Appalachia.  It was discussed that educators, pastors, first responders, community advocates and other such concerned professionals would benefit from such a directory.
• A mechanism for sharing various innovations and practices among members.  It was discussed that in the efforts before COVID, it became clear that there are various providers who are doing interesting work in their local setting, which is not related to other providers who might benefit from this experience.  This could be done through social media.
• Such an organization could motivate and engender political influence to help legislators and other government officials understand the needs, barriers, and innovative efforts for mental health in Central Appalachia.

Present partners:

•       University of Virginia at Wise

•       East Tennessee State University

•       Marshall University

•       West Virginia University

•       George Washington University

•       East Carolina University

•       University of Kentucky

•       Emory & Henry University

•       American Psychiatric Association

•       University of Virginia

•       CDC

•       Appalachia Regional Commission

•       Society for the Study of Psychiatry and Culture

•       Healthy Appalachia Institute at UVA-Wise

•       Opioid Research Center of Central Appalachia

•       Appalachian Substance Abuse Coalition

•       American Association of Community Psychiatry