The purpose of the study was to determine how well the local mental health services infrastructure has adapted to changes in delivery systems, especially deinstitutionalization.  The presentations included: consumers' experiences of local mental health services; the impact of mental illness on related community systems, such as law enforcement, schools, employers, social services, and religious institutions; and the role of funding mechanisms on access.  Overall, panelists described a variety of symptoms that indicate a dysfunctional system. The local assessment parallels the findings of the recently released report from the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. Many of the potential solutions proposed on the national level could be applicable to the local situation.