The “WHY”  that directs what we do:

• To provide an intentionally inclusive space for people with disabilities (all disabilities: physical, mental, behavioral, developmental, cognitive, sensory, cross-disabilities), family members, advocates, and community members to gather for a shared purpose in a welcoming environment.
• To define and remove barriers to quality, affordable, and accessible health care for people with disabilities throughout life.
• To increase community-based resources and supports so that people with disabilities can live full, independent, and self-sufficient lives.
• To ensure the coordination of physical health and mental health care.

How we do “that thing we do:”

• Monthly meetings of the Health Committee for People with Disabilities. We meet on the third Wednesday of every month at UCP of Pittsburgh (4638 Centre Avenue).
• Our meeting motto is: “We don’t meet unless we eat.”
• Every meeting includes an “Action and Advocacy” component.

Who does the work?

• We all do. Our advocacy comes from a grassroots perspective where each one has a role to play and a shared responsibility.
• We have two workgroups that meet monthly:
  

  Wear the button!

  • The Neighbor Team: Meets the second Monday of the month from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm @ the Panera Bread on 3401 Boulevard of the Allies. Please click here to learn more about the Neighbor Team.
  • The Physical Health and Mental Health Workgroup: Meets the second Tuesday of the month from 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm @ Panera Bread on 3401 Boulevard of the Allies.
    Please click here for the Workgroup’s “Guide to Being a Proactive Patient.”

To join either the Neighbor Team or the Physical Health/Mental Health Workgroup please call Sally Jo (412) 456-1877 x 203 0r

PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES

“Living Together is an Art” Photo Voice Project

“Rev Sal’s Cinema Society”

"TORCH," the HCPD Mascot, "Carrying a bright light for consumers"

2010 HCPD NEWS and ACTIONS

 ACADEMY OF EMPOWERED CONSUMERS

The first class of “CHC’s Academy of Empowered Consumers” graduated on Sunday, 6 June 2010.

What graduates said about the Academy:

• “It’s empowering!”                                                                 
• “Great and needed information!”                                  
• “Open atmosphere with great sharing and resources.”
• “Learn how to help yourself and how to help others.”

PA STATE BUDGET

On Friday, 25 June 2010, CHC held our annual state budget rally.  Approximately 100 people attended and we had coverage from WPXI and KDKA. 

Here is an inital summary from the PA Budget and Policy Center: What was cut in the budget agreement

 Doing Fine in 2009!

Highlights of the advocacy and action from 2009:

• By the numbers: We average 40 persons a month that participate in our monthly work groups and committee meetings.
• Approximately 600 persons participated in our special programs, rallies and special events.
• We sent over 5500 postcards in our Mayview advocacy!
• We had incredible press around the Mayview advocacy: radio, television, a feature story on WDUQ, and mentioned and quoted in 5 Post-Gazette articles on the subject!
• To great acclaim, we created the “CHC PROACTIVE PLAYERS” who write and perform skits to support our Proactive  Patient workshops.
• Held a very successful “We Are Better Than This!” State Budget rally — approximately 100 persons in attendance and radio, paper, and television coverage.
• Held Phone Slams and did a very creative “It’s Raining” mailer (cocktail umbrellas included) around the State Budget.
• Anchored the advocacy wing in the first ever “Ability Pittsburgh” event at the Heinz History Center.
• Drafted and “Top 10 Shames of the  Governor and PA Legislature” and mailed it extensively!
• Created, signed, and mailed our annual holiday card, this time it was a  modern day re-telling of a Christmas Carol…PA version.
• Added new members!

2008 Committee Highlights:

• Legislative Breafast: 125 Attendees and 15 Legislators/Staffers
• Participated in the “60 Sucks” Rally in Harrisburg to increase the Personal Care Home Allowance
• 2008 – 2009 State Budget “Power Left Blitz” Play Book
• Over 500 House Postcards Sent to state elected officials
• Distributed over 4500 “I AM YOUR NEIGHBOR” Buttons