Human Rights Volunteer Position Open at Dix - posted 7-25-07

Help protect the rights, the safety and the dignity of persons with mental illness. There is an opening on the Human Rights Committee at Dorothea Dix Hospital in Raleigh, which covers the catchement area of South Central North Carolina.

Purpose: to provide an additional safeguard for protecting the human, civil, and legal and treatment rights of clients. Clients, due to impairments resulting from mental illness and/or substance abuse, may be less able to articulate and exercise their legal entitlements than those not impaired. The authority of the committee is granted by law.

Duties:

1.  Review facility compliance with laws and rules dealing with human rights
2.  Review existing and proposed methods and procedures for protecting these rights
3.  Review alleged violations
4.  Review programs and services that deal with legal and human rights
5.  Review seclusion/restraint, intrusive or aversive procedures, ECT, med doses above recommended levels 6. Review any other complaints and concerns brought to committee

Serving is a volunteer activity that requires a commitment of time and energy. Reward is in the satisfaction that your participation provides safeguards and protections for persons who may not be able to speak for themselves.

The Committee is advisory to the Facility Director, the Division Director and Chiefs, and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Membership on the Committee must include: 1 member from NAMI NC 1 member from NC Mental Health Association 1 member from NC ARC 4 members at large 1 member a client; 1 member a family member 1 member a licensed attorney

Meets monthly on 2nd Monday, 12:00-1:30 Meets in Room 113, McBryde Building Dix Hospital

What do I do if I am interested? Call (919)733-8410 for information. Call Gloria Harrison at 800-451-9682 to let NAMI NC know if you are filling our position