NAMI OBX, a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (Nami) announced the creation of an Outer Banks branch that will provide additional support mental health programs to adults and youth living with mental health issues in communities from Corolla to Ocracoke. This chapter was created by members of the community who have been affected by their relationships with people with mental health problems. Some have families, while others work directly with people with mental health issues.
Founded in 1979, NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI provides advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. NAMI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with chapters in 49 states and more than 600 affiliates. NAMI OBX operates under the North Carolina Chapter.
As an affiliate of NAMI, NAMI OBX provides free education and support programs to people in our community (lived experience, family, friends, etc.) living with mental illness. These programs are designed to provide support, encouragement, and resources in addition to existing therapies and treatments. NAMI has programs designed to help adults and youth deepen their understanding of their mental health, coping skills, and the community that supports their recovery. All facilitators are volunteers and are trained and certified through NAMI. Nationwide.
“As parents of a child with a mental illness, we have been participating in NAMI’s educational programs and support groups for over five years. is invaluable,” said NAMI OBX Co-Chair Kathy Cooper. Mrs. Cooper’s husband, Phil, serves as co-chair. NAMI Vice President is Dr. Richard Martin, LCAS, CCS.
NAMI plans to host a series of upcoming local awareness events to introduce NAMI OBX to the Outer Banks community. Town hall meetings from April 24th to May 13th from Corolla to Ocracoketh. The presentation will be 30 minutes, followed by a question-and-answer session and invite the audience to engage in a dialogue to better understand the needs and concerns of the community. All meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are scheduled for the following dates: April 24th at Holy Redeemer by the Sea Catholic Church. May 1 at the Fessenden Community Center. May 6 at the Albemarle College campus in Dare County. and on May 9th at St. Andrews-by-the-Sea.
Local resident Dr. Richard Martin is a North Carolina certified clinical addiction specialist, certified clinical supervisor, and long-time advocate for people struggling with mental health issues. “Mental health is the biggest concern It’s been going on in our community for years. By forming a NAMI affiliate, our community will have access to a wide range of resources to address the mental health challenges faced by individuals and families. For people asking what they can do and how they can help, I can’t think of a better answer than joining NAMI Outer Banks,” Martin said. Martin’s career includes 20 years working in substance abuse services at multiple community mental health centers in North Carolina, 10 years as an alternative school principal, and currently leading monthly family therapy seminars at the John T. Edwards Foundation. in addition to serving at the North Carolina Collaborative Research Center. School-based mental health subcommittee.
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. May 18thth inauguration ceremony nami walk OBX It will be held at Kill Devil Hills starting at Aviation Park. This awareness walk allows residents to walk and talk with us about mental illness on the Outer Banks, and also helps raise funds for our programs locally. There is no cost to walk, but donations are appreciated. The walk is 3 miles and begins at 9am. For more information, please contact Kathy Cooper at namiobx@gmail.org.
