NAMI Albany seeks to raise mental health awareness during Albany State Homecoming Parade

ALBANY – Representatives of NAMI Albany will participate in Albany State University’s Homecoming Parade for the fifth time Saturday.

“It’s been a good venue to walk and let our community know there are people who are interested in mental health for our community,” Debbie Richardson, a retired advanced nurse practitioner and volunteer with the National Alliance on Mental Illness Albany, said. “It’s a good way to reduce the stigma. It’s a good way to increase (awareness) about what we’re doing.”

NAMI Albany’s community outreach work was recently recognized by United Way of Southwest Georgia and 100 Women Who Care, and NAMI Albany said it has been strengthened by that community support.

This year NAMI Albany also has hosted programs, including an eight-week family-to-family education course at no charge, as well as physician-led programs on topics including youth suicide and psychiatric medications.

The organization holds monthly programs and also hosts support groups and other services, all offered at no cost.

For more information, contact NAMI Albany at https://namialbanyga.org/ or by calling (229) 329-1444.

Individuals who are in crisis can call the national 988 suicide and crisis hotline. NAMI Albany serves Baker, Calhoun, Dougherty, Lee, Mitchell, Randolph, Terrell and Worth counties.

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