As Consumer Satisfaction Teams were created under Health Choices' counties and in counties where CHIPP programs operated, CSTs felt the need to network together for support, training, and for sharing resources. For several years, the Consumer Satisfaction Team Alliance of PA was a steering committee that attempted to meet these needs. But as more CSTs were created, there became a vast diversity of CST practice, funding, additional needs, and capacity. Therefore, the Steering Committee decided to secure state funds to create an organization which facilitates both support of C/FSTs and provides more substantiated data statewide for improving the quality of Mental Health services. The effort was successful and the Deputy Director of OMHSAS arranged for the Consumer Satisfaction Team Alliance of PA to be funded as a new program of PMHCA. Mary Kohut was hired as our first Director in 2001 and Danny Wildasin now holds this distinction.

         The purpose of CSTAP is to facilitate support and resources to other CSTs. It is also to promote the development of new CSTs and to support the cause of Consumer Voice and Inclusion through CSTs. Consumers are the experts in whether or not services meet Consumer needs, whether or not these services support recovery, and what programs should be created to provide mental health in Pennsylvania. CSTAP also facilitates the communication from CSTs and/or C/FSTs to OMHSAS for statewide Consumer data and concerns. CSTAP is also expected to support the process of regional representation through its Steering Committee and through ongoing communication with individual and regional CSTs. The Steering Committee advises the PMHCA Board of Directors and lends supportive experience, knowledge, and planning for the success of the purpose and mission of CSTAP.

Activities

         Some of the activities of CSTAP are as follows:

1. CSTAP has provided technical assistance to local CSTs and in regional trainings, communications, and direct staff support.
2. CSTAP has completed a statewide data initiative. From this initiative OMHSAS requires all Health Choices Providers to survey its constituents with three standard questions to determine performance objectives.
3. CSTAP operates a clearinghouse of information and resource networking on a daily basis and documents CST progress and need across PA.
4. CSTAP has been a major partner in facilitating change in strengthening Appendix L (the core document which defines CST and its capacity). This change has brought awareness to OMHSAS of the inconsistent support and empowerment of CSTs by county and Health Choices providers. OMHSAS has renewed support and publicity of the value of Consumer Satisfaction Teams and the Consumer inclusive voice CSTs represent. OHMSAS has renewed its expectations for the integral partnership that is vital to quality improvement through Consumer satisfaction data.
5. CSTAP facilitates and organizes a retreat for CSTs each year. This retreat supports face to face networking and exchange of ideas, practices, issues, problem solving, enrichment, and planning. This year the majority of the training focused on Quality Improvement with goal, process, inclusive team participation, and outcome measurement led by Dr. Jim McCormack. There was also time devoted to recovery and empowerment for systems change, autonomy for CSTs, surveying tools & methods, and developing relationships that partner for change in the local county process.
6. CSTAP provides a Consumer data source for PMHCA advocacy.