THE ASSOCIATION SPONSORS MEETINGS WHICH ARE FORUMS FOR THE EDUCATION AND DISCUSSION OF SERVICES NEEDED IN COMMUNITIES FOR MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS. MEETINGS PROVIDE CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBERS. THE ASSOCIATION PROVIDES INFORMATION AND STATISTICS REGARDING THE PREVALENCY OF MENTAL DISABILITIES AND GATHERS INFORMATION REGARDING SERVICES NEEDED. THIS MATERIAL IS FORMATTED FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION AND EDUCATION. THE ASSOCIATION ADVOCATES IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE FOR COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS AND SERVICES TO AID CITIZENS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC OF THEIR NEEDS.