Dottie is now serving on the Board of Directors of Hope Clubhouse of Southwest Florida in Ft Myers. Hope Clubhouse is a community resource that fills a significant gap in the opportunities available for people living with mental illness. It offers opportunities for meaningful work, education, friendship and access to housing in a supportive, caring, dignified and respectful community setting. Hope Clubhouse is one of more than 350 Clubhouse programs world-wide, based on the principle that meaningful work is critical in bringing positive change to the lives of those living with mental illness. The Clubhouse is different from a residential center or a treatment facility. Those who participate in a Clubhouse are “members,” rather than patients, clients or consumers. The Clubhouse emphasizes each person’s strengths, talents and abilities.

http://www.hopeclubhouse.org/

In December, Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA) introduced the “Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2013,” H.R. 3717. This proposed legislation includes major mental health reforms that would eliminate barriers to treatment and substantially improve care for individuals with the most severe mental illnesses. Ground Report had an article on the topic 19 January 2014.

At long last, Congress now has an opportunity to overhaul our broken mental health system and help families in mental health crisis. Mental illness is not particular who it attacks. It affects both Democratic and Republican families, and I urge Congress to provide bipartisan support for this very important piece of legislation.

The News-Press in Ft. Myers, Florida published this article written by Dottie.

http://www.news-press.com/article/20140119/OPINION/301190055/Sound-Off-Mental-health-reform-needed-aid-patients