Public Guardian and Patients Rights Advocate Speak

NAMI-Humboldt (National Alliance on Mental Illness) will sponsor a presentation by Kelli Schwartz, the Humboldt County Public Guardian, and Melody Beltz, Patients Rights Advocate, on Wednesday, October 9 at 6:00pm at the Professional Building at 507 F St., Eureka, Mezzanine level. The Public Guardian will explain how her office serves as representative payee for clients with impairments including mental health issues. She will also talk about the purpose of the two types of conservatorships, one of which requires a court order. Melody Beltz, Patient Rights Advocate will address her office’s role in assuring that patients in the Mental Health system have their interests represented. Rights include the right to receive care in the least restrictive environment, to have visitors, to wear one’s own clothing, religious freedom, access to a telephone and others. There will be an opportunity for questions following the presentations. All are welcome to this free event.