For Maryland Residents: Leadership Empowerment Advocacy Project (LEAP)

The Leadership Empowerment Advocacy Project (LEAP) began in 1990 and is supported and funded by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Mental Hygiene Administration. Through the years, LEAP has offered an opportunity for mental health consumers to learn the leadership and advocacy skills necessary to make a positive impact on Maryland’s mental health system. Through intensive training the participants are provided an opportunity to network and acquire resources enabling them to further consumer involvement in the public mental health system. Individuals who graduate from LEAP have gone on to become directors of peer support groups, members of workgroups and boards that affect mental health care, and testify, lobby and provide important information to our legislators in Annapolis. This year we will also provide information about federally funded programs that promote recovery.

Each workshop is taught by an expert in their field. Workshops for this year include: Leadership Skills, Advocacy Communication, the Recovery Experience and Concepts, Partnering with Policy Makers: Technical Assistance Needed by Administrators, How to Engage in Changing Mental Hygiene Administration Policies, Federally Funded Wellness and Recovery Models, How to Engage in Changing Federal Policy, Medicaid 101, and Using Medicaid Monies to Support Recovery Efforts.

The LEAP training involves a four day commitment to participate in intensive workshops. The dates of the training are June 22^nd through June 25^th. The training is provided at no cost to you with room and board included. You must be able to provide your own transportation to and from Bon Secours Spiritual Center in Marriottsvile, Maryland. Transportation costs will be reimbursed. Participants are chosen by an application process with a total of 12 consumers accepted. If chosen, you will be expected to make the commitment to attend the entire four days and to continue the vision and goals of LEAP by positively impacting the mental health system with your advocacy and leadership.

For more info contact:

Susan Kadis
Mental Hygiene Administration
SGHC – Dix Building
55 Wade Avenue
Catonsville, Maryland 21228
skadis@dhmh.state.md.us
410-402-8407