THE CONSUMER-FAMILY ACCESS TO COMPUTER RESOURCES PROJECT

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

The Consumer-Family Access to Computer Resources Project, in partnership with the Public Library, places computers in Department of Mental Health (DMH) facilities throughout the County to provide computer skills and Internet training. The Public Library has a long and successful record of providing public access computing. Project computers are on the Library network; software and configuration align with what Library uses at its facilities. DMH clients or family members get a County Library Card as part of access authorization at DMH sites. In keeping with efforts to mainstream DMH clients, they can then go to any Public Library and use computers. They are not restricted to computers at DMH sites. This provides greater access to computing for clients and exposes them to a valuable County resource. The Project is, for many clients, a prerequisite if they are to realize the benefits of secure on-line access to their health information. They can also do job searches, prepare resumes and job applications, and search for housing; things that are difficult in the modern world if you are not on-line. Some clients use the new-found connectivity to reconnect with family and friends. This well-received program has 91 computers installed at 22 DMH sites.