About the Florida Peer Network

About Us

We are a community of persons who know firsthand what does and does not work for recovery. As such, the Florida Peer Network, Inc. serves as the voice of individuals that are directly affected by the policy decisions of the public/private mental health system. We believe this system has much to gain from listening to our combined wisdom and experience, which we offer in good faith. Assisting each other in seeking recovery and maximum quality of life is our central goal.

Our mission is to promote recovery, quality of life, advocacy, education, mutual support, peer-directed services, and participation in mental health policy design for consumer/survivors throughout the state of Florida.

A group of 20 consumers who have distinguished themselves as local and national leaders and advocates met in Oviedo, Florida, July 29 and 30, 2005 and decided to establish this organization. Out of this meeting an interim board was selected and charged with setting the groundwork for this statewide network. Action priorities were outlined at this meeting as follows:

• Participate in the transformation of the mental health service system towards recovery orientation, consumer direction, holistic and evidence based practices.
• Assist DCF in the development of a statewide Office of Consumer Affairs.
• Implement peer specialist training and certification on a statewide basis.
• Educate consumers on their legal and civil rights.
• Grassroots political advocacy on behalf of persons with psychiatric challenges.

It was decided that the Network would immediately reach out to consumers throughout the state to inform them of this opportunity to become a unified voice for the entire state.

This letter is a way of informing you about what has been done so far, and inviting you to become a part of this exciting endeavor. We believe this is a crucial moment in the history of our state, and we must unite for action, now. Please join us by completing the attached membership form. Membership is free at this time, and open to anyone in the state who identifies as a consumer of mental health services.

Thank you, on behalf of all mental health consumers in the state of Florida.

Board of Directors

Thomas Lane President	Bill Schneider Treasurer
Sally Clay 1st Vice President	Barbara Williams Secretary
Toni Beard 2nd Vice President	Gayle Bluebird Honorary Board Member

Patrick Hendry
Executive Director

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Florida Peer Network, Inc., 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MHC 2505, Tampa, Florida 33612
Phone: 877-FLA PEER (877-352-7337) or 813-974-2851
Fax: 813-974-6411
Email: info@floridapeernetwork.org

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