About COMHCO
COMHCO, the Coalition of Mental Health Consumer Organizations has been an integral part of New Jersey's Consumer advocacy base since it's inception in 1986. Then, with only a handful of concerned voices we were able define ourselves as Consumers rather than Mental Health Patients. Today, with a base membership of over 5,000 consumers we are able to affect policymakers on the issues that affect our lives daily. It doesn't matter if we are meeting with local, state, or national political leaders our objective has always been the same -- to bring your concerns to the attention of others, and to see to it that your voice will be heard and taken into account as new legislation is brought before our elected officials.
How do we accomplish this and insure that COMHCO speaks for you through a single unified voice? We do this by listening to the points that you say affect your lives and by taking your concerns seriously. We represent you by addressing the needs that consumers voice as integral to their recovery and wellness so that the stigma associated with Mental Illness is no longer apart of our daily struggle for life in the community. It is only through the comments that you bring to our attention that we can continue to best represent you. It is through the passion that drives you towards your own recovery, and the wonder of a life lived in wellness that are evident at our meeting, rallies, workshops, and events that we can showcase the abilities that consumers can bring to society.
In addition to COMHCO's advocacy efforts, we also provide many educational opportunities that will empower you to become not only a part of the COMHCO family, but which will allow you to become your own best advocate. As you move towards your own wellness, you will find that you will want to share your experiences and that your desire to help others as you were once helped will become a motivating element in continuing to further your own recovery. Learning what options exist will encourage you to be a voice for consumers.
But COMHCO isn't all about advocacy. A major component of wellness is learning to spend time on yourself. And joining COMHCO will allow you to meet socially with fellow consumers. Making these social connections ensures that you will always have someone to help you out and give you a moment to shine. Is doesn't matter if you want to just see how a friend is doing at a COMCHO meeting, cheering on our Consumer Advocate of the Year at our Annual Meeting, singing a song or telling a joke at our talent show, or just sharing a hamburger at our Picnic COMCHO is sure to make you proud to say "I'm a valued voice in New Jersey."