News from Families Together in New York State

For more information contact: Crystal Brandow, 518-432-0333 ext. 11

FTNYS Announces Return of Coordinator from World Mental Health Congress in China

ALBANY, NY (09/18/2007; 1438)(readMedia)-- Families Together in New York State is pleased to announce the return of Dally Sanchez, YOUTH POWER! Coordinator, from her recent visit to Hong Kong.

Ms. Sanchez presented at the 2007 World Mental Health Congress of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) held in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, from August 19-23 2007. The theme of the Congress was the “Impact of Culture on Mental Health: East Meets West.”

Ms. Sanchez shared the New York State youth and family voices and perspectives through two presentations: The Importance of Youth and Family Involvement Across Cultures and The Impact of “Learned” Mental Illness: Creating Supportive Environments for Our Youth.

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter recommended Ms. Sanchez to present on consumer issues at this prestigious event. Former First Lady Carter and Ms. Sanchez met in November 2001 when Dally was invited to the 17th Annual Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy. Her invitation was delivered as an acknowledgement of Ms. Sanchez’s notable work with the Westchester County Youth Forum, a peer support, peer run youth group, and the National Youth Movement through her participation in the SAMHSA annual meeting in Puerto Rico.

Ms. Sanchez, an 11 year veteran in mental health advocacy, is a contributing author of Youth Involvement in Systems of Care: A Guide to Empowerment. She has worked in Yonkers, White Plains and Albany.

Funding for travel and accommodations for Ms. Sanchez was provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration through a consumer scholarship.

About the WFMH: The World Federation for Mental Health was founded in London in 1948 to advance, among all peoples and nations, the prevention of mental and emotional disorders, the proper treatment and care of those with such disorders, and the promotion of mental health. The mission of the World Federation for Mental Health is to promote, among all peoples and nations, the highest possible level of mental health in its broadest biological, medical, educational, and social aspects.

About FTNYS: Families Together is a non-profit, family-run organization that strives to establish a unified voice for children and youth with emotional, behavioral, and social challenges. Our mission is to ensure that every family has access to needed information, support, and services. Families Together in NYS, Inc. is the state chapter of the Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health and a 501c3 nonprofit corporation.

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