The Consumer and Family Advisory Council (CFAC) met on May 21, 2005. We were delighted to welcome Cathy Kocian of the Consumer Empowerment Team with the Division of Health and Human Services as our guest speaker. Cathy offered us information about state CFAC committees and their contact people. She then presented information on consumer participation, guidelines, and responsibilities of state and local CFACs. Cathy also went over various opportunities for consumer and family participation. The committee received good information from Cathy, and we are very appreciative of her willingness to share it with us.The CFAC Committee wants to improve communications within the RHA family. One thing that we have suggested is to put our CFAC minutes on the RHA website so all parents and guardians can access them. We also want to make sure that each family has a copy of the RHA Service Manual. Currently, this information is included in the Admission’s Packet. This information will be sent to parents/guardians who have been served by RHA for a long time and, therefore, did not receive it when they were admitted. RHA Health Services, Inc. and RHA Howell Care Centers, Inc. are sponsoring a workshop on Thursday, January 26, 2006, for guardians that would provide information about Trusts, Guardianship, Living Wills, and Advanced Directives. It is extremely important that guardians of RHA service users have the latest information on these issues from knowledgeable authorities. RHA has lined up three professionals with expertise in these areas to speak at the workshop. The CFAC encourages you to attend. Space is limited, so you’ll want to RSVP as soon as possible. Remember that CFAC is here for you. Don’t hesitate to contact this committee with any questions or concerns that you may have. You may reach Debby Huffman, Chairperson of CFAC, at 336-768-4331 or boogstwo@aol.com or Jeanne Duncan, RHA, at 1-800-848-0180 or jduncan447@aol.com.