“The mission of the Mental Health Division is to promote recovery and safety.”

Ethnic/Cultural Minorities Treatment and Services Subcommittee (EMAC)

The purpose of this Mental Health Planning and Advisory Council subcommittee is to promote age and cultural competence, including comparable access to and outcomes of service in the public mental health system. One area of focus of the group is on the impact of legislation, public policies, and practices particularly on affected ethnic/cultural minorities in institutional, residential facilities, and/or community settings.

This Subcommittee informs other Subcommittees utilizing the Council's communication protocol and work in concert with the interested and appropriate Subcommittees in consideration of specific issues to develop/strengthen relationships between systems and promote cross-system sharing. This subcommittee works in concert with the Legislative/Administrative and Program/Planning Subcommittees in developing their recommendations concerning such matters for consideration by the Council.

EMAC Subcommittee Membership:
Name Region Representation
Thressa Alston Kent, WA Educator
Connie Mom-Chhing Vancouver, WA Minority MH Provider
Steven Collins Seattle, WA Consumer
Carrie Huie-Pascua Pasco, WA Minority MH Provider
Lily Baldwin Garduño Spokane, WA No Information Provided
Shirley Caldwell Seattle, WA No Information Provided
Joanne Groves Seattle, WA No Information Provided
Yu Ming Zhu Woodinville, WA No Information Provided
Mary O'Brien Yakima, WA Minority MH Provider
Garrison Nutt Hoquiam, WA Minority MH Provider
Andy Pascua Pasco, WA Advocate
Hank Balderrama Olympia, WA Mental Health Division Staff

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For more ways to get in touch with the Department of Mental Health Services, go to the DSHS Contact Information Web page. Mental Health Related Questions Contact:



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