Our Story

Consumer Advocate Network (CAN) was founded in 2003 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. CAN is the first independent peer-advocacy-run organization to answer and win a Request for Proposal from the Department of Behavioral Health for consumer organizations in 2003. Acting as our own fiduciary agent, we focus on empowering consumers by advocating and ensuring that consumers understand their rights toward recovery through mediation, education, mentoring, treatment planning, engagement, and responsibility.

Our unique story begins during the Dixon Lawsuit, brought about in 1974. The lawsuit was filed by a group of people suffering from serious mental health issues who wanted to receive mental health services and support from the community instead of a psychiatric hospital or institution. The plaintiffs sued state and federal officials who were responsible for managing Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital. They demanded the development of necessary access to community-based mental health services.

The judge ruled in favor of the plaintiffs and ordered the defendants to develop a community-based mental health system so consumers can receive treatment in a less restrictive setting. Despite the ruling, there was still a delay in implementing these services in the community.

This delay lasted until 2003, when an expert was hired by the court to ensure that the defendants were abiding by the court’s orders. At this time, CAN saw an opportunity and felt the need to step in and assist consumers outside of a psychiatric facility.