Montgomery – Department of Mental Health & Mental Retardation Commissioner Kathy Sawyer and Associate Commissioner for Mental Illness Kimberly Ingram are pleased to announce that the 2002 Alabama Recovery Conference will celebrate 10 years of fellowship and support. The annual three-day event will take place April 30 through May 2nd in beautiful Shocco Springs, just outside Talladega.

“This conference is the highlight of our year,” said Ingram. “Our staff really looks forward to attending this event and spending quality time with DMH/MR consumers.” The conference features a number of workshops designed to help consumers with a variety of interesting and important skills such as finding employment, proven techniques for self-advocacy, and grant writing. 

“The Recovery Conference is also an opportunity for consumers to show off their creative abilities,” said Sawyer. “We have a talent show featuring many impressive singers, rappers, dancers, comedians and musicians. Every year, this is one of the most anticipated events.” 

A number of consumer awards are given at the Recovery Conference each year. The R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Awards recognize consumers, advocates and mental health professionals who have made extraordinary contributions to the mental heath community and consumer quality of life through their hard work and dedication. Mental Health Consumers of Alabama also recognizes outstanding individuals for their service with a series of awards.

For more information about the 2002 Alabama Recovery Conference in Shocco Springs, contact the Alabama DMH/MR Office of Consumer Relations at (334) 242-3456. The registration deadline is April 17, 2002.