| Formal Name: | Mental Health Advisory Committee |
| Contact Person: | Natasha Olsen |
| Purpose: | The Mental Health Advisory Committee was created to ensure full access to comprehensive mental health, alcohol and drug abuse services for deaf and hard of hearing people. |
| How Many Affectable: | 20% of Nebraska's Population |
| How Many Served: | Any one who is deaf or hard of hearing who needs mental health services |
| Year Created: | 1995 |
| Year Active: | 1995 |
| Sunset Date: | blank |
| Authorization Citation: | 71-4728.03 |
| Parent Agency: | Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing |
| Number Of Members: | 5 |
| Who Appoints: | Members of the Mental Health Advisory Committee |
| Legislative Approval: | no |
| Qualifications Of Members: | Three counselors familiar with mental health, alcoholism, and drug abuse disorders in deaf or hard of hearing persons and two human services professionals. The Department of Health and Human Services and the commission shall each have a representative who serves on the committee in a nonvoting technical capacity. |
| Per Diem: | no |
| Expense Reimbursement: | yes |
| Term Length: | 3 years |
| Terms Rotate or Expire At Once: | Terms Rotate |
| Required FY 13-14: | 4 |
| Held FY 13-14: | 4 |
| Required FY 14-15: | 4 |
| Held FY 14-15: | 4 |
| Required FY 15-16: | 4 |
| Held FY 15-16: | 4 |
| Support Staff: | 1 |
| Shared or Separate: | the Mental Health Specialist for the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing |
| FY 13-14 Budget: | 0 |
| FY 14-15 Budget: | 0 |
| FY 15-16 Budget: | 0 |
| Other Funding Sources: | $3000.00 from the Enrichment Foundation to host a workshop every spring |
| Spending Authority: | This advisory commission falls under the NCDHH Full Board and the spending authority given to the Full Board. |
| Since July 1, 2012: | The Mental Health Advisory Committee supports and guides the Mental Health Specialist for the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing communities. Every year the Mental Health Specialist plans and hosts a workshop around the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing and mental health. |