COMMISSION ON MENTAL HYGIENE REFORM TO MEET

        CHARLESTON, W.Va. - -The Supreme Court's Commission on Mental Hygiene Reform will hold its second full meeting on June 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center.

        The Commission recently has completed an information gathering stage. The Commission polled all stakeholders in the mental hygiene system, and held public forums in Martinsburg, Morgantown, Beckley and Charleston. Based on the comments received, the polling was helpful in defining and prioritizing the issues, and the forums were a productive, powerful and moving experience for those who attended. The Commission will now review the information gathered and the specific issues its subcommittees will address. The Commission will begin finalizing its report which is due to the Supreme Court on December 10, 1999.

        The Supreme Court formed the Mental Hygiene Commission in February 1999 to review and assess current mental hygiene laws, policies, practices and procedures and propose specific recommendations for change. The 38 Commission members represent patients, families, advocates, medical and social service professionals, providers, law enforcement and the court system. Morgantown attorney and former Monongalia County Mental Hygiene Commissioner Bill Byrne is the Commission's chair.

# # #