Disability Rights Washington (DRW) is Washington State’s federally mandated Protection and Advocacy System for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) [1]. The federal mandate requires the establishment of a PAIMI advisory council which is Mental Health Advisory Council (MHAC). The advisory council advises DRW on priorities and issues important to people receiving mental health services in the state while upholding the organization’s mission.
What does the Mental Health Advisory Council do?
- Receives updates on and advises DRW on PAIMI advocacy work ranging from systemic litigation, investigations, and other systemic advocacy.
- Plans and facilitates listening sessions to solicit feedback from those furthest from privilege and most in need of PAIMI services.
- Meets as a full group four times a year, and in smaller committees in between the full council meetings.
- Writes and submits the Annual Council Report describing activities and accomplishments throughout the year.
What are the benefits of serving on the advisory council?
- Strengthen your voice and share your lived experience to craft DRW’s priorities.
- Expand your understanding of behavioral health issues and learn alongside staff about Disability Justice.
- Work directly with DRW’s constituents and support them in using their voice.
- Make connections and build relationships with advocates from different backgrounds and different lived experiences.
- Help spread awareness about resources for individuals with behavioral health disabilities in your community.
Who serves on the advisory council?
The Mental Health Advisory Council (MHAC) is made up of people from all geographic areas of Washington from communities of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, justice-involved individuals, survivors of institutionalization, and other underrepresented communities. Council terms are staggered with a maximum of four (4) years possible.
As required by the federal PAIMI Act, the advisory council shall be:
- At least sixty percent (60%) of the Mental Health Advisory Council (MHAC) members must be current/former recipients of mental health services or family members of people who are current/former recipients of mental health services.
- The advisory council must be chaired by a person who is current/former recipient of mental health services or a family member.
- The advisory council must have a seat on the DRW Board of Directors.
- The advisory council must meet no less than three times a year.
Advisory council member requirements:
- Must be a resident of Washington State.
- At least one (1) attorney.
- Mental health services providers.
- Mental health services professionals.
- At least one (1) parent/guardian of a minor child (under 18 years of age) who is current/former recipient of mental health services.
- Individuals who are current/former recipients of mental health services.
- Family members of individuals who are current/former recipients of mental health services.
- Individuals of the public who are knowledgeable about mental health services and disabilities.
- Must have at least seven (7) advisory council members but not more than thirteen (13).
What is the time commitment?
The MHAC meets four (4) times a year on the first Saturday of February, May, August, and November. Members are actively engaged in activities between meetings with a time commitment ranging between 4 to 10 hours per month with the opportunity to receive a stipend.
Meetings happen online and are open to the public with the opportunity to provide public comment. If you are interested in attending or providing public comment, please email us at info@dr-wa.org [2] or call us at (206) 324-1521 or toll free at (800) 562-2702. Language interpreters are available upon request. Please use 711 for Washington Relay Service (TTY).
Apply Today!
The advisory council accepts applications on a rolling basis and reviews applications as there are vacancies. For more information or to sit in on a meeting contact us at info@dr-wa.org [2] and apply to the council here. [3]
All applications will be held for one year from their time of submission.