Albany groups advocate for mental health

ALBANY — Albany area organizations have been working this month to keep mental health at the forefront in observance of May as Mental Health Awareness Month

Albany Mayor Dorothy Hubbard earlier this month signed a proclamation recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month in the city. The signing was witnessed by a group of mental health professionals and advocates that included representatives from NAMI Albany, Aspire Behavioral Health, Phoebe Behavioral Health, the Transforming2Wellness planning group, SOWEGA Council on Aging, the city of Albany, Dougherty County, the Albany Police Department and individual advocates.

Albany Police Chief Michael Persley, who was recently recognized as a state leader in Crisis Intervention Team training, spoke about the importance of CIT training, in which officers receive intensive training on de-escalating potentially dangerous crisis situations. CIT training is a partnership between NAMI Georgia and law enforcement.

Churches have been involved as well. A Bridges of Hope was conducted May 17 to provide pastors and faith community leaders an opportunity to learn more about mental illness and available resources.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. To learn more about the work NAMI does, go online to www.nami.org and www.namiga.org.

Locally NAMI Albany is active in community outreach. The local affiliate also offers regular support groups and education for those living with mental illness and for their family members. Contact NAMI Albany: [email protected] or (229) 329-1444.