Humphrey Bogart told Louie at the end of the famous movie Casablanca that, “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”  The relationship that Lassen Aurora Network and Lassen County Mental Health have may not be a friendship, but it is certainly a beginning of a dynamic partnership.

With the passage of California’s Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) and a nationwide focus on services being recovery and person centered, it has been natural and advantageous for consumers and mental health service providers to build partnerships.

The notion of recovery is individualized and personalized.  This recovery-oriented system allows people to move forward at their own pace, without judgment or labels and presents opportunities for wellness and life development that are built upon a foundational belief that healing is possible and very real.  Recovery focused programs involve a strengths-based approach that promotes a mutual connection between the mental health providers and consumers that instills trust and hope.  In Lassen County, staff and consumers have been working together to provide and develop MHSA services to ensure that the recovery principles are paramount to the new programs.  They have been to state planning meetings together, participated in the writing of the county plan and have brought to the area educational programs promoting wellness and recovery.

Last week one of the Aurora consumer associates passed away suddenly.  At the Aurora Friday gathering mental health staff and consumers associates shared moments of grief and hope together.  This partnership of listening and validating each others humanity is key to a positive healing and working relationship.