St. Louis County LAC Application

Thank you for your interest in serving on the St. Louis County Local Mental Health Advisory Council (LAC).  A Local Advisory Council is intended to bring together diverse perspectives on mental health in order to identify resources, changes, additions and improvements to local mental health services for children and adults. In order to be effective in this important work, the LAC needs to meet throughout the year and be very intentional about including diverse perspectives.

Those who are invited to join the LAC need to commit to foster an environment that is focused on these:

• Hope: The sense that positive change is possible and needed should be the foundation of our work.
• Prevention: Mindful nurturing of children’s well-being and trauma sensitivity will improve their mental health throughout their lives.
• Wisdom: Each person’s wisdom has value and requires consideration.
• Recovery: Achieving a state of recovery for each person who needs mental health support is vital.
• Dignity: Dignity is essential to our work together so each person can deserve and expect to be treated with respect and honor.
• Inclusion: Inclusion is critical to ensure our mental health services and perspectives are relevant, inclusive and responsive to the many ways our country is diverse.

Each meeting will include time for discussion on issues related to children and adult mental health. Since there will be a lot to discuss and share, the LAC will need to meet many times throughout the year. There typically are nine monthly meetings throughout the year, and it is important that members of the LAC make most of the meetings. The meetings generally last 1.5 hours and food is served when the meetings are in person.

Meetings are held in locations that are accessible to persons with physical disabilities. The south group meets from 5-6:30 p.m. at the St. Louis County Government Services Center in Duluth, as well as virtually. The north group meets from 4:30-6 p.m. at the St. Louis County Government Services Center in Virginia, as well as virtually. 

We do not want transportation or expenses to be a barrier to participation. We will offer a financial stipend to LAC members who are non-professionals. If transportation support is needed, we are happy to discuss that with you.