The end of the year always brings rushes of memories – I think back
on this year and smile at the thought of our first annual Greater
Philadelphia NAMIWalks for the Mind of America in May.
It was a proud moment as the event brought seven local NAMI
affiliates and two NAMI support groups together working for six months
towards a goal to raise the profile of mental illness and take it out
from the shadows.
It brought policymakers, business leaders and one thousand Walkers
together to celebrate those who fight to improve the lives of persons
who live with mental illness and their families.
I think it helped us all stand up a little taller and be able to
speak with a little more confidence when we go to fight for equal rights
and services for persons with mental illness. I also think it helped to
chip away at the stigma associated with mental illness.
However we all know that there is still a lot more to be done, and we
look forward to working on these opportunities with you, our members.
We want to increase public awareness and education about mental
illness so people will know where to turn for help when a crisis
strikes, and those who are experiencing symptoms of mental illness go
for help without feeling ashamed or embarrassed to do so.
We want to impact our schools so that children with mental health
concerns are not labeled as "bad kids," but their teachers identify
their symptoms and behaviors and work with parents to get the help and
support that the child and their family needs.
We want to serve as a resource for our veterans and their families to
provide the support and information that they need in dealing with PTSD,
depression, substance abuse and whatever else may result from combat.
We are closing out a very good year for NAMI, and we thank you all
for helping to have made it such a big success. But we have so much more
to do and we ask that as your New Year’s resolution you consider
volunteering some of your time in one of our three offices.
Have a peaceful, happy holiday and please know that we are here if
you need us!
NEWS UPDATE
Wellness Window
Welcome to Wellness Window, a collaborative effort by Project
Transition and NAMI Montgomery County. Click on the article titles to read the full
item.
NAMIWALKS Photos Now Online!
We've just posted over 250 photos from the May 2008 Greater
Philadelphia NAMIWALKS. Thank you to all who participated in our walk!
