FROM THE CITY: Mayor and City Council will declare May as Mental Health Awareness Month in the City of Gaithersburg. A proclamation will be presented to Katherine Slye-Griffin, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness – Montgomery County (NAMI-MC), recognizing the organization’s significant and ongoing efforts to improve the lives of those impacted by mental illness.
May was designated Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949. Every day, Americans are affected by the myriad challenges, stresses and demands on their lives. And every day, they seek help in responding to them. Mental illnesses, which can affect people of any age, race, religion or income, are chronic medical conditions that disrupt thinking, feeling, mood, the ability to relate to others, and daily functioning. They are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable, and most that are diagnosed can experience relief from their symptoms by actively participating in an individual treatment plan.
NAMI-MC is a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by mental illnesses in Montgomery County, Maryland. Since 1978, NAMI-MC has provided self-help, support, education and advocacy for people with serious and persistent mental illnesses, their families, friends and caregivers. NAMI offers a variety of free psycho-education courses to caregivers, consumers, and other community members.
As a part of National Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI nationwide hosts fundraising and mental awareness walks in more than 85 communities. Locally, the 1.5 mile NAMI WALK is being held at Veteran’s Plaza in Silver Spring on May 15, 2011. Proceeds will provide essential education and support to help improve the lives of individuals with mental illness as well as their families. To participate, donate on behalf of a walker, or sponsor this event please visit www.nami.org.
