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Friday, May 18, 2012 ..:: Home » Consumer Rights ::..   Login

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 Mental Health Cuts are Unacceptable - Please Take Action!

The movement to save mental health services in Illinois is growing. Wednesday, April 11, more than 700 people rallied at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago to make sure that funding for mental health services is retained in Illinois. Hundreds of signatures have been collected on NAMI’s petition in support of maintaining community mental health funding.

The proposed cuts for mental health services are unacceptable.  Illinois Governor Pat Quinn proposes to cut $54 million in much-needed mental health services.

What is at stake? Well, for example, consider the plight of a person with severe mental illness who suddenly does not have a safe place to stay. Housing and other services for that person - and thousands of others -- would clearly be threatened if these proposed cuts become a reality.

Proposed cuts need to be restored so that mental health service providers can continue to provide comprehensive housing, psychiatric and crisis intervention services. Proposed cuts would compromise access to critical services for a highly vulnerable population.We are talking about comprehensive and cost-effective community-based services that are essential for a consumer of mental health services' recovery.

Community-based care for even the most complex mental health needs costs several times less than putting people in a hospital, an institution or a jail. It's also considerably more effective. The State of Illinois must do the right thing: retain resources for services that are making a difference in the lives of thousands of persons with mental illness and their families.

What can you do?  Contact your state senator and state representative today. Insist that mental health funding should not be cut and should at least be continued at current levels.

To generate a message that will automatically be sent to your state representative just click on the link below (or copy and paste it into your web browser:

http://capwiz.com/thresholds/utr/1/MKUVRPOMMX/OMMNRPOMVJ/8172623421

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Please save the date for...
Maine Center’s Eighth Annual Odyssey Fundraising Brunch Cruise

Sunday, June 10, 2012

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This is a two-hour brunch cruise along Chicago's beautiful lakefront embarking from Navy Pier at Noon.
Complimentary champagne toast, gourmet brunch buffet, music, cash bar
and fabulous raffle prizes await you.
Tickets are $95 per person, $21 of which goes to support Maine Center's services.
Tickets will be held for pickup at check-in on the dock.
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If you can't join us please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Maine Center.
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For Information and phone Reservations please call 847-232-2908
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The proceeds support the provision of mental health and substance abuse services to the clients of Maine Center

SUMMARY OF INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS  

Your rights while receiving services at Maine Center are protected by Illinois and Federal laws including the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code and the MHDD Confidentiality Act, the Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and various other Federal laws and regulations. You may request a complete copy of your rights statement from your therapist or counselor. In order to be in compliance with the above rules and regulations, Maine Center is providing you with this summary of your individual rights.

1. You will not be discriminated against of any rights, benefits, and privileges guaranteed by the Illinois and Federal Constitutions solely because you use Maine Center services. Services will not be denied, reduced, suspended, or terminated if you exercise any of these rights. If you have a guardian, Maine Center will cooperate with your guardian.

2. You will not be denied services because of age, gender or sexual orientation, race, religious belief, ethnic origin, marital status, disability, or a criminal record that is unrelated to your current service needs.

3. You have a right to be treated in an ethical and professional manner (please review our Code of Ethics). You have the right to treatment in the least restrictive manner. You have the right to have an interpreter present when you receive services at Maine Center if English is not your primary language, or if you are hearing impaired. For TTY access Maine Center utilizes the Illinois Relay Service @ 711. You have the right to be free from abuse, neglect and exploitation. You have the right to be free from the use of restraint and seclusion; Maine Center does not use them.

4. You have the right to an individual and ongoing service plan which will be developed within 30 days of starting services at Maine Center. A qualified behavioral health professional shall be responsible for overseeing the implementation of your service plan.

5. You have the right to refuse treatment. You have the right to be informed verbally and in writing of the possible side effects of your medication. You are expected to take medications as they are prescribed by your doctor. However, if you don=t, the appropriateness of our services may need to be reevaluated.

6. You have the right to have and use personal property. Maine Center sites are smoke-free. Alcohol, illicit drugs, and weapons are prohibited on agency premises. Any criminal activity on Maine Center property or in its programs will be reported to the local police.

7. You have a right to privacy. No information about you will be disclosed to others without your informed verbal and written consent. These rights are covered in our Privacy Practices Statement.

8. You have the right to purchase and use the services of your choice. While you are served at Maine Center you are free to use spiritual means, private physicians, other professionals, and other programs and services of your choosing at Maine Center or elsewhere.

9. You have the right to access a subsidized service fee based upon your income and health coverage plan. Documentation of your financial need and health benefits must be presented and verified. Fees must be paid at the time of service. You will be charged a fee for cancelations with less than 24 hours notice or if you do not keep a scheduled appointment.

10. You or your guardian have the right to access Maine Center's grievance procedure. You may present your grievance to your clinician and, if necessary, appeal the decision up to the CEO. The CEO's decision on the grievance shall constitute a final administrative decision and shall be only subject to review in accordance with administrative review law. You also have the right to contact the agencies listed below to report abuse and neglect or file a grievance or complaint:

Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission - 9511 Harrison Ave., FA101, Des Plaines, IL 60016, (847) 294-4264

Equip for Equality - 11 E. Adams, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60603, (312) 341-0022, (800) 537-2632

DHS - Office of Inspector General (OIG) - Madden MHC, 1200 S. 1st Avenue, Pavilion 12, Hines, IL 60141, (708) 338-7415

DHS - Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse -1-312-814-3840

Maine Center's Client Care Committee - 819 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068, (847) 696-1570 x 307

DHS - OIG Hotline - 1-800-368-1463

Elder Abuse Hotline - 1-800-252-8966 Mon. through Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; After hours, weekends and holidays: 1-800-279-0400

Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Hotline - 1-800-252-2873

 

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