Scheduled this week in neighboring Modesto, the NAMI Regional Townhall, “United Wellness” will bring NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness – affiliates and mental health stakeholders from 19 Central Valley and Mountain communities together to address mental health-related issues. The event is also designed as an opportunity for participants to work together to improve community well-being.
The conference will be hosted at the Petersen Event Center, 720 12th St., Modesto, and run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, July 14.
“NAMI California and NAMI Stanislaus are working with numerous regional and local agencies to bring a strong voice to the needs of individuals and family members affected by mental illness,” local NAMI officials noted. “We believe that ensuring participation of family members in all decision-making processes and help by providing education, support, and training. We believe when NAMI affiliates, stakeholders, community members, decision makers, law enforcement, educators, health care workers, and youth come together we have a stronger voice, and can improve mental health care services in California.”
The community-based event will be focused on advocacy and awareness of the needs of the families and family members to help:
Provide information of available services and supports;
Improve awareness of Behavioral Health systems;
Increase linkage to local services and supports;
Encourage and promote principles of wellness, recovery, and resiliency; and
Provide strategies for reducing stigma among families and individuals living with and supporting those living with mental illness.
The day will conclude with a comical look at depression through the life experiences and sketches of One Degree of Separation.
There is no cost to attend and lunch is included. Go online to register at: bit.ly/unitedwellness
You can also call or text Kym Barber, Youth Programs Coordinator, Prevention Programs for the Stanislaus County Office of Education at 209-224-4760 for more information about the NAMI conference.
