VACSB STAFF

Executive Director: Mary Ann Bergeron
Administrative Manager: Kay Springfield
Information Specialist: Jo Powell
Public Policy Manager:  Jennifer Faison
Administrative Ass't (part-time) Linda Ramsey

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The VACSB is privileged to have as its members, the forty  Community Services Boards/Behavioral Health Authorities (CSB/BHAs) in Virginia.

• The VACSB represents the CSB/BHAs in state and federal public policy matters, including state and federal funding.
• In Virginia, the VACSB works to build consensus on policy, administrative, and operational issues of CSB/BHAs and to represent those issues and solutions to the state agencies who most relate to the CSB/BHAs, to the Governor of Virginia, and to the Virginia General Assembly.
• VACSB advocacy efforts are undertaken with partnership family and consumer advocacy organizations.
• The VACSB provides training and development components for CSB/BHA Board members, CSB/BHA staff and for our partners in the private sector.
• The VACSB is a resource of technical assistance and consulting for CSB/BHAs upon request.

• Is ultimately responsive to the needs of consumers with mental disabilities and their families;
• Focuses resources on community based care for individuals with mental disabilities;
• Ameliorates and prevents disabling conditions.

This mission will be achieved through advocacy, strategic alliances and support services to member Community Services Boards. (CSB/BHAs)

• Foster leadership representation and collaboration by CSB/BHAs in the development of legislation, public policy, advocacy, and procedural matters affecting consumers and their families, CSB/BHAs, and the Board's strategic partners. Strategic partners include all state agencies within the Health and Human Resources and Public Safety Secretariats, local governments and their organizations, the Coalition for Mentally Disabled Citizens of Virginia and its member organizations, and consumer, family and related advocacy groups.
• Coordinate and support responses to priority issues by structuring response plans, collection and dissemination of aggregate information, creating and staffing ad hoc -work groups to propose and implement short-term action plans to benefit the community care and treatment of consumers.
• Provide opportunities for education and networking among CSB/BHA and stakeholder constituencies through training sessions, informational meetings and conferences, where trainig sessions offer continuing education credits.
• Provide administrative and managerial support for commonly needed resources in such areas as procurement, consultants, insurance, IT solutions, etc.
• Train CSB/BHA Board members at the local or regional level regarding their key roles and responsibilities and in Board management skills.  

• A unified Public Policy voice to the General Assembly, to DMHMRSAS, DMAS, other state agencies, local government organizations, and advocacy organizations.
• Builds relationships with legislators and advocates for positive legislation and resources for services.
• Tracks and impacts both state and federal policy and legislation.

Training & Development

• Sponsors conferences and workshops to assist member boards and staff in staying current with cutting-edge information and technology in services delivery. Contact hours for continuing education credits are offered at VACSB training events.
• Board Members' Institute training programs provide training in the legislative and process, advocacy training, legal issues, and other issues related to the role of CSB/BHA/BHA Board members.

• Public policy forum detailing reinvestment outcomes, and themes of recovery and independence for consumers
• May conference featuring model and innovative CSB/BHA and regional programs.
• January Legislative conference to provide knowledge and perspective for all members on current budget and legislative information.
  
• IT Conferences,  in sponsorship with DMHMRSAS,  feature technical advancements, HIPAA information, current software and IT issues, and information regarding federal IT requirements.
• Emergency Services Conferences, also in sponsorship with DMHMRSAS, feature training and professional development opportunities for crisis intervention staff.

• Provides structures to assure that issues are addressed and resolved, information is shared and disseminated, and the groups, committees, and task forces within the Association are able to accomplish their respective tasks.
• VACSB networks with peer state and national organizations to determine trends and changes in the services system environment.
• Use of electronic and website technology facilitates this component with private discussion boards for issue knowledge and development, improved ability for conference calls, and other electronic innovations, including possibilities of web-based conferencing.
• Acts as an information clearinghouse for CSB/BHAs and advocacy groups.