Saturday morning on WCLK's The Local Take(Saturdays 8am), we talked with NAMI-Georgia about their upcoming conference and walk. NAMI--The National Alliance on Mental Illness-- is one of the largest non-profit organizations focusing on mental health. Georgia ranks 51st in access to mental health care, and we’re thankful for our non-profit organizations that provide support and resources. This year NAMI is hosting their annual conference and walk at Emory University October 8-9th. Shannon Hicks joined us to share information.
Hicks shares that NAMI-Georgia operates around hope, help, and acceptance. The Georgia head office is based here in Atlanta, but there are affiliate offices in communities around the state.
Even though high-profile celebrities, athletes, and others have opened up about the mental health challenges they face, they are often questioned about their need to attend to their mental health. I ask Hicks about the continuing stigma faced by those seeking mental healthcare.
She speaks about the agency “warm” line 770-408-0625 for people seeking mental healthcare needs. If you’re a family member or caregiver to someone in need, resources are available.
While the NAMI Conference is for professionals, she encourages non-profit and community organizations to feel free to join them. They are planning a drive-by at the state capitol to increase awareness with lawmakers about the importance of mental health. There will be a car decorating day on October 2nd at the NAMI offices if you can’t make the drive-by. Hicks speaks about their hashtag #VoteMentalHealth.
For more information on NAMI Georgia
For more information on NAMI Walks