Office of Constituency Relations and Public Liaison (OCRPL)
Overview
(1) Oversees the Institute's public liaison and outreach activities, including requesting and receipt of public input related to the Institute's activities; (2) Plans, coordinates, and promotes Institute interactions with patient advocacy, professional, scientific and community based organizations with specific interests in the mission and/or programs of the NIMH; (3) Monitors mental health and related legislation, issues, and events and, as requested, develops analyses, drafts proposed testimony, and serves as a principal point of contact for interactions with NIH and Departmental staff, as well as with senior staff of the Office of the President and other Federal agencies; (4) Reviews all mental health related reports to the Congress and/or other parts of the Federal Executive Branch; and (5) Represents the Director, NIMH, as required.
Activities
- The Outreach Partnership Program is a nationwide initiative that enlists national and state organizations in partnerships to help bridge the gap between research and clinical practice by disseminating the latest scientific findings; informing the public about mental disorders, alcoholism, and drug addiction; and reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with these illnesses.
- NIMH Professional Coalition for Research Progress: NIMH convenes representatives of professional organizations once a year: (1) to share the latest developments at NIMH with professional constituent organizations and (2) to foster dialogue on the future path and directions of NIMH-funded research.
- NIMH Alliance for Research Progress is a group of patient and family advocates representing national voluntary organizations meeting twice a year with NIMH Director and staff. The Alliance meets in the summer to discuss research priorities, which allows an opportunity for NIMH to hear directly from representatives of constituency groups about their views and concerns regarding its research. The Alliance Winter Meeting focuses on the latest research advances.
Contact
Gemma Weiblinger
Director, Office of Constituency Relations and Public Liaison
6001 Executive Boulevard, Rm. 8235, MSC 9669 Bethesda, MD 20892-9669
(301) 443-3673, gweiblin@mail.nih.gov
