Application deadline is June 5, 2012

The Department of Mental Health is offering a limited number of scholarships to attend the Alternatives 2012 conference in October. The annual Alternatives conference is the oldest national mental health conference organized by and for mental health consumers. The scholarship will cover the conference registration, airfare and hotel costs.

The Alternatives Conference 2012 "Honoring Our History, Building Our Future” will be held October 9-14 in Portland, Oregon. Each Alternatives Conference provides in-depth technical assistance on self-help/recovery methods and peer-delivered services. In addition to information and networking opportunities, the conference offers a rich social and healing environment in which the arts play a large role.

To be eligible for a scholarship, you must be a District resident, at least 18 years of age, enrolled in mental health services and working or volunteering as a peer advocate.  Individuals who received a scholarship to the Alternative Conference 2011 are not eligible to apply.

To apply for a scholarship, please submit a written statement on why you want to attend the conference along with a letter of reference.  All applications must be submitted by 12 noon, Tuesday, June 5, 2012. No applications will be considered after this deadline.  Recipients will be notified by 5 pm Friday, July 13, 2012.

The application must be submitted to Vivi Smith, Director of the Office of  Consumer and Family Affairs, at [email protected] or delivered to the Department of Mental Health, attn: Vivi Smith, 609 H Street NW 5th floor, Washington, DC  20002.

For more information about the scholarship, please call (202) 673-4377, and for conference details, go to www.alternatives/ 2012.info.