Our Annual Conference presents a unique opportunity to connect with others and explore the latest developments in mental health. This year, we have organized the conference around three key areas of interest—Health Reform Implementation; Peer Specialist Programs; and New Ideas for New Funding—that will offer ideas and strategies for advancing our cause.

Our Health Reform track will feature leading experts on where things stand in implementation; how state exchanges will be established; what it means for Medicaid; and how you can get involved to advocate for the full inclusion of mental health and substance use prevention and treatment as an integral part of the effort.

Peer Specialists offer a unique set of skills and experiences to help individuals fully engage in their recovery plans. In our Peer Specialist track, we will review the exciting new role of peers; sources and methods of funding peer specialists; and an overview of training and certification processes that are a natural role for MHA affiliates and other community groups.

With funding a persistent concern, we'll focus on New Ideas for New Funding. Sessions will look at programs like the Vet2Vet Network; social enterprise initiatives; employer-based programs building on FundaMENTAL Health; and cause marketing ideas.

During Advocacy Day on Thursday, you will hear from inside players on where Congress is headed and how we can continue to raise the importance of behavioral health in the legislative arena. That evening, we will present our Legislator of the Year Award at our Welcoming Reception.

And we will present our highest honor, the Clifford Beers Award, at our closing night banquet on Saturday.

In the coming days, we will have exciting news about speakers. Stay tuned to the website for the details.

I know the conference will empower and enlighten you. I hope you will attend and look forward to seeing you in Washington, D.C. ::