Consumer Advisory Panel

In April 1999, CommCare established a Consumer Advisory Panel comprised of consumers (clients), family members, and consumer advocates. The purpose of this panel is to assist in the evaluation and monitoring of CommCare's Access Crisis Intervention (ACI) system and MC+ services.

Panel members are actively involved in reviewing ACI procedures, as well as complaints regarding the ACI system, and making recommendations for improvement. They have reviewed and approved a training manual distributed to all ACI service providers to assist in the training of clinicians providing crisis services.

The panel is also responsible for the review of MC+ issues, such as quality assurance reports and consumer/provider concerns and complaints. Most recently, panel members participated in a training workshop for clinicians during which they discussed the perspectives of consumers and family members in times of crisis.

The Consumer Advisory Panel meets the second Thursday of each month. Panel members have identified various goals to guide the group which include:
     (1) identifying deficiencies in the ACI system at the lowest possible level,
     (2) finding out the needs of consumers to help them become more
           functional, and
     (3) reviewing consumer concerns.

Consumers, family members and consumer advocates interested in working on this panel to improve ACI and MC+ services are encouraged to attend the monthly meetings. For more information, complete our feedback form or contact Laurie Cox, ACI Coordinator, at 816-472-9012 or lcox@commcare1.org.