MARTY HELDENBERG: N.A.M.I. training makes a difference

I have rarely met a more dedicated group of individuals then those in Albany, so zealously devoted to overcoming the stigma associated with any number of illnesses having their roots in the human brain. We were first made aware of N.A.M.I. (National Alliance on Mental Illness) some 10 years ago in our personal quest to understand issues we were dealing with in our family.

It did not take long to realize this organization offered the answer, information and empathy we had long sought in order to cope, and we then immersed ourselves through further education and involvement, as we saw remarkable progress in all who were touched and forever changed through education and understanding!

Georgia’s Gov. Deal has praised and supported these extensive efforts, recognizing the positive resulting outcomes for not only individuals, but organizations such as law enforcement, and is making the necessary funding available enabling mandatory crisis intervention training to be taught throughout the state beginning next year.

The remarkable team teaching these classes to our law enforcement officers, is to be commended for their willingness and dedication to the cause, so I feel it only fair to mention Sue and Mimi Marlowe and publicly acknowledge just two of the many dedicated leaders within the N.A.M.I. organization in our area!

Thanks to all who support and contribute during the annual N.A.M.I.walk fundraiser, and also to the many teachers and parents so determined to promote a clear education and understanding of the many forms of mental illness.

MARTY HELDENBERG

Parrott