Flatwoods, W.Va. - -A Supreme Court commission is close to issuing a report which it hopes will improve the lives of thousands West Virginians impacted by mental illness.

        The 38 members of the Commission on Mental Hygiene Reform will meet at the Flatwoods Days Inn on October 12 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to review a draft report containing recommendations to improve West Virginia's quarter-century-old mental hygiene system.

        The Commission will present its report to the Supreme Court on December 10, 1999. The Supreme Court will then forward the report to the Legislature. The report will address such issues as legal standards and procedures for involuntary commitment proceedings, mental health services, education, and public awareness.

        “Our members have shown tremendous dedication to this project. Their work comes from the heart with a clear vision of better care for citizens with serious mental illness,” said Commission Chair and former Monongalia County Mental Hygiene Commissioner Bill Byrne. The Commission members represent patients, families, advocates, medical and social service professionals, providers, law enforcement and the court system.

    
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