Developing a community board for a mental health center.

Federally funded community mental health centers are required to have governing boards made up of community residents to ensure that services are meeting the community's needs. Sound View-Throgs Neck Community Mental Health Center in Bronx, New York, met that requirement by developing three local advisory boards, one for each subcatchment area served by an outpatient clinic. Later a central community board with 12 members, four from each of the local advisory boards, was formed. The central board has several standing committees that parallel the organization of the center, including community, hospital, and rehabilitation services; research and development; and administration. Board members and center staff meet regularly. They have found that they must act as partners and learn to share power, privileges, and knowledge.