Clients and families working with Sandhills Center for Mental Health are being asked to tell the center what they think about the quality and quantity of services it offers either through its staff or private health care providers.

Sandhills provides state-supported services for mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse in Richmond County.

A “Needs Assessment Survey” will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. today at Rockingham Child and Family Services office, 234 E. Washington St., Rockingham.

This is not a group meeting.

“We are very interested is talking with people who are using the services we make available through private providers,” said Michael Watson, chief executive officer of Sandhills Center.

“We particularly want to hear from anyone who feels that needs are not being met,” he said.

Information may also be presented over the telephone at (910) 730-0731.

Representatives of the Sandhills Center Consumer and Family Advisory Committee will be on hand to speak individually with people who come in or take comments from them over the phone.

Sandhills Center is a local management entity of the N.C.. Department of Health and Human Services.

Services are delivered to recipients by a network of providers with whom Sandhills center has contractual arrangements.

Anyone who can’t attend or call in between 3 and 6 p.m. today will have a second opportunity at a similar meeting at Sandhills Community College in Moore County from 6 to 9 p.m. on March 17.

“We are committed to responding to needs as they vary from county to county,” Watson said. “An important part of that commitment involves our asking people in each community to help us define the services that are needed.”

Richmond County is represented on the Sandhills Board of Directors by Richmond County Commissioner Thad Ussery, Darrell Crouch and Glenn Alexander.

For information about the survey, call (877) 906-4745 toll free.