The mission of the State Advisory Council (SAC) is to advise the Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) in the development, funding, prevention, public understanding and coordination of specialized services to meet the needs of Missourians with mental health and substance use disorders.
In order to accomplish this mission the SAC shall:
- Collaborate with the DBH to develop and review the state plans for delivering behavioral health services pursuant to Title 42, 300x-3 (Federal statute) and CSR 631.020.8.
- Advise the DBH in the development of models of services and long-range planning and budgeting priorities.
- Identify statewide needs and recommend what specific methods, means, and procedures should be adopted to improve and upgrade the behavioral health service delivery system for citizens of this state.
- Provide education and information about mental health and substance use.
- Monitor, evaluate, and review the allocation and adequacy of behavioral health services within the state.
- Provide oversight for suicide prevention activities.
- Membership Information
The Director of the Division of Behavioral Health shall appoint up to 32 members to the State Advisory Council. The terms of office for members shall be a full three (3) years.
This is a dynamic group of peers, family members, services providers and partner state agencies, whose personal experiences and insights are invaluable in assuring that all Missourians receive the behavioral health and substance use supports needed to meet and achieve their social, health, economic and educational goals.
Members shall have a professional, research, or personal interest in the prevention, recovery, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and system of care for children/youth with serious emotional disturbances and persons affected by behavioral health disorders and their families. The SAC shall include representatives from the following: non-government organizations and state agencies concerned with the planning, operation or use of behavioral health services; individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders who are receiving or have received behavioral health services and understand the need for such services; and family members of adults with mental health and/or substance use disorders, or children with emotional disturbances.
The SAC shall recognize two standing committees, the Mental Health Disorders Committee and the Substance Use Disorders Committee. The purpose of these committees is to ensure adequate representation and focus on the issues unique to each committee. The co-chairpersons of these standing committees shall equally share the leadership of the full SAC.
The membership composition of the State Advisory Council shall follow the guidelines set forth in Title 42, 300x-3 (Federal statute) and CSR 631.020. Representatives of the following state agencies are mandated: mental health, education, vocational rehabilitation, criminal justice, housing, social services, and Medicaid. One member shall represent veterans and military affairs.
If you are enthusiastic, have a passion for helping others, and are interested in becoming a member, please fill out and submit the membership application form, or contact Lori Franklin, Department of Mental Health, Division of Behavioral Health, 1706 East Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
- Mental Health Disorders Committee
East Region
- Amye Trefethen, Vice Chair
Metro East Region
- Cathi Bornhop
- Mockia Shelton
- Tamara Kenny
Northwest Region
- Brittney Siddens
- Cher Caudel, Chair
- John Killian
- Stacey Gilkey
Southwest Region
- Amber Stockreef
- Bryant Fogelbach
- Chera McCoy
- Christa Aletano
- Eric Martin
- Kristin Davis
- Lisa Dierking
- Lora Smith
- Rebecca Jose
- Substance Use Disorders Committee
East Region
- Christa Harmon, Chair
- Shelley Taylor
Metro East Region
- Amber Harris
- Cameo Jones
- Caitlin McCafferty
- Jenny Armbruster, Vice Chair
- Maggie Sullivan
Northwest Region
- Casey Spartz
- Darla Belflower
- Heather Harlan
- Marcia McKinney
- Megan Hall, Member at Large
Southwest Region
- Michael Melion
Meeting Information
Meetings are held every other month at the Department of Mental Health Central Office in Jefferson City, MO, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Conference Rooms A and B, unless otherwise noted.