Mental Health America's National Consumer Supporter Technical Assistance Center (NCSTAC) has in recent months experienced significant successes in its mission to assist mental health consumers in building strong, sustainable statewide organizations. In two of the four states where we provide targeted technical assistance, (Montana and Nevada) organizations have been developed and incorporated.

They are currently in the process of applying for non-profit status with the IRS. In New Mexico, we have begun the process of developing a working steering committee to guide their development and currently have approximately 20 advocates and consumer leaders involved in the process. In Utah, we are in the beginning stages of identifying leaders in the consumer community around the state. Each state varies widely in its development of a consumer movement and often requires a unique approach in bringing people together.

Just recently, four grants funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration were awarded to consumer organizations in Hawaii, Ohio, Wisconsin and Washington. These mini-grants ranged from $5,000 to $20,000 and were targeted at promoting development of peer-run networks in states that have underdeveloped or non-existent peer organizations. The projects that were chosen varied from providing educational programs, board training, starting a new organization and job training. While these are relatively small grants, they have a large impact in the community.

We are also in the process of reshaping the image of NCSTAC through changes to our website, publications, services offered and communications network. Webinars are being offered in organizational development and business management and plans are being made to develop an online course that incorporates all of the tools and trainings we have created. It is our hope that this will make our services available to many new state and local organizations.