Tech Info and Mental Health Info

1)  I have linked this blog to my Geocities page.  There are links to my My Space and my Friendster pages as well.  Those pages have links to this log.  I have this blog, the Geocities page and the My Space blog listed on Technorati.  There will be only a few post made to the My Space blog and probably none ever posted to the blog area on Friendster.  In addition I have requested to be listed on the Yahoo local information pages. 

The old Gateway tower has been set up the way I like for a while now.  I think a major problem has been the video card's small memory.  I will try to put the white box video car in the Gateway to see if that helps.  The new (used) Gateway seems fast.  When I get another hard drive for it I'll install XP Pro on it and try to get it setup like the old one.  When the laptop arrives I will have to see what it is like.  It may become my main computer to use.  I will enjoy it when I am on the road.  Perhaps Monday it will be ready to take home.  I would like to have it for the PMHCA meeting on the coming weekend.

2) I guess it is time to weigh in on the CMSS controversy here in Erie.  I am still opposed to CMSS not having all the contracts awarded.  I believe there are other ways to accomplish the oversight the county government needs instead of creating a new corporation and having that corporation under county government control.  I am not sure the perceived conflict of interest is there and if it is why is there still not the same conflict withe a government controlled non profit?  I also wonder if Value will want to partner with someone else.  Their original proposal was with CMSS. 

Since the decision to move ahead with the new corporation seems to be moving along I will support the county in the efforts to move toward Health Choices for behavioral health.  A blended model with Value partnering with local entities seems to be one of the best paths.  I will work to help the new consumer advisory committee be successful.

I am excited about the housing strategic planning on the county level.  I hope the housing agencies cooperate with the focus group concept.  I know it will difficult to locate people who are living on the streets The Upper Room will be a good place to start.  It also will be important to talk to the front line staff at the agencies.

On the Certified Peer Specialist front, I am trying to understand the term Peer Support Specialist.  Once again OMHSAS is sending the signal that the current peer supports are or will be invalidated with the advent of this new profession.  This may not be intentional but that is the message sent.