Reaction of a frustrated citizen.

Participation on a board of a Comprehensive Community Mental Health Center is a frustrating, saddening, but occasionally positive experience. The positives can continue to outweigh the negatives only if the partnership between staff and citizen can be strengthened. Continued manipulation by either side of the partnership will in the end only destroy the goals we have worked for. With the reduction of federal commitment and the expiration of grants for most of the centers in the country we must band together to find new and creative ways to stay alive. Community Health Centers have made a real difference in the lives of ordinary citizens and in the lives of those who have served on their boards. Hopefully a renewed effect to bring staff and citizen/consumers together will bring about the new partnership without which there may be no Community in Mental Health Centers.