Latest news with #NAMI
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NAMI Elects New Board Leadership to Advance National Mental Health Priorities
ARLINGTON, Va., June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation's leading grassroots mental health organization, today announced its newly elected 2025–2026 board of directors — a group of leaders with deep community ties and lived experience, committed to advancing mental health as a national priority. Their insight and leadership come at a pivotal time for the movement. "As we continue to face an urgent mental health crisis in the U.S., NAMI's new board brings the vision, leadership, and lived experience needed to meet this moment," said Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., CEO of NAMI. "Together, they represent a deep commitment to our mission and to the people and families we serve. Building on the strong foundation laid by our Immediate Past President Cathryn Nacario, this board is ready to carry our momentum forward, advance our strategic plan, and help ensure that everyone affected by mental illness has access to the care, support, and justice they deserve." The board elected Jeff Fladen, MSW, as president. Fladen is a longtime mental health advocate and former executive director of NAMI Tennessee, with experience spanning clinical care, nonprofit leadership, and policy advocacy. He has also served in roles including therapist, crisis counselor, case manager, and psychiatric program director. "I am honored to serve as NAMI's board president," Fladen said. "As someone with both personal and professional experience in mental health, I understand how essential NAMI's mission is to individuals, families, and communities. I look forward to working with our Dan Gillison, the board, and grassroots partners to continue building a movement that ensures help, hope, and equity for all people affected by mental illness." New board members were elected during NAMICon 2025, held virtually from June 10–13. They will serve three-year terms and may serve up to two consecutive terms. "While I'm excited about where the new board is headed — and look forward to working with our new President, Jeff Fladen, as he steps into this important leadership role — we wouldn't be here without the outstanding service and dedication of our outgoing members," said Gillison. "I know the board joins me in expressing our deepest thanks to Amy Brinkley, Dr. Sheldon Jacobs, Pooja Mehta, and Joe Gatto for their service, and in offering special appreciation to Cathryn Nacario for her steady leadership as board president during a time of meaningful growth for our organization." 2025–2026 NAMI Board of Directors Executive Committee President: Jeff Fladen, MSW (Tennessee) 1st Vice President: Devika Bhushan, M.D. (California) 2nd Vice President: Lakieshia Izzard, Ed.D., LPC, NCC, ACS, CSC (Georgia) Treasurer: Barbara Ricci, BA, MPA (New York City) Secretary: Mary Kay Battaglia (Wisconsin) Immediate Past President: Cathryn Nacario, BSN-RN, PHN, MHA (California) President Emerita: Shirley Holloway, Ph.D. (Alaska) Newly Elected Board Members (Term ending 2028) Rebecca Kiessling, CAE – NAMI Northern Virginia Kerry Graves – NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore (MD) Elise Banks-Lovely, M.S., LPC – NAMI Texas Linh Preston, MA, MPA – NAMI Indiana Benjamin McAfee – NAMI Hall County (GA) Jeremiah Rainville, CCHW, CPRS, CCSP, CAMHFA – Peer Leadership Council Elected Director Continuing Board Members (Term ending 2027) Ray Lay, CHW/CRS (Indiana) Glenda Wrenn Gordon, M.D., MSHP (Georgia) Babu George Mathew (Colorado) Barbara Ricci, BA, MPA (New York City) Mary Kay Battaglia (Wisconsin) Continuing Board Members (Term ending 2026) Devika Bhushan, M.D. (California) Victoria Harris, M.D., MPH (Washington) Sukhi Sahni, MSJ (Virginia) Dhanu Sannesy, BA (New York) Lakieshia Izzard, Ed.D., LPC, NCC, ACS, CSC (Georgia) Appointed Members Ruth-Ann Huvane – At-Large (California) Darien Wright, MBA, CPA – At-Large (Maryland) Open Board Seats Affiliate Presidents Council (APC) director – election forthcoming Two NextGen directors – election forthcoming The National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness Join the conversation: | | | | | | View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Sign in to access your portfolio
The Independent
20-06-2025
- The Independent
Traveller visits all 50 state capitals and identifies the worst two
YouTuber Joey Kinsley, known as 'Sir Yacht', completed a challenge to visit all 50 US state capitals in just 30 days, driving approximately 500 miles daily. Kinsley undertook this 'speed run' to raise money for The National Alliance on Mental Illness, describing it as his 'toughest ever challenge' that left him physically and mentally exhausted. Despite previous stunts like running a marathon without training, the state capital journey was uniquely demanding, causing him to hit a wall early in the trip. He encountered both positive and negative experiences, finding some capitals like Olympia, Washington, and Albany, New York, to be the worst two - labeling them underwhelming or 'sketchy'. Conversely, Kinsley praised the beauty of states like Montana, Oregon, and Hawaii, and highlighted the friendliness of locals in places such as Madison, Wisconsin, and Helena, Montana. Kinsley noted that people in underrepresented areas appreciated his visit, eager to share their local history and attractions, and expressed a desire to undertake similar journeys in the future, albeit at a slower pace.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
National Alliance on Mental Illness' Brown County office hosts annual mental health picnic
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Brown County has hosted a picnic at Bay Beach Amusement Park for over 20 years, bringing mental health awareness to the forefront. On Tuesday morning, the annual free community event returned, inviting mental health professionals, local leaders and those battling mental illnesses to gather for food and a day of fun. Wisconsin State Fair releases Cream Puff lineup with chocolate flavor & contests The event included grilled burgers, hot dogs and of course, brats, with plenty of home-baked desserts, as people who live with mental illnesses got a day to relax and enjoy themselves. In addition to the food, the picnic included complimentary ride tickets along with prizes, face painting and more activities for the whole community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
13-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Most suicides in Minnesota occur in June, research shows
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota shared statistical data showing most suicides occur in June. "It is really nerve-wracking," said David Goehl-Manolis, a suicide prevention coordinator for NAMI Minnesota, who remembers seeing a family member in distress. "At the time, I thought I knew about mental illness, and my worry for my family member paralyzed me." A former school educator, he now aims to teach the public. "Some people think that the holiday season has the most number of suicides, and the summer, there's fewer. Statistics show it's the opposite," Goehl-Manolis said. He's referring to a 2023 University of Pennsylvania study. "From a suicide prevention perspective, I don't think 'why' is really important," Goehl-Manolis said when asked why he thinks that is. He also emphasized that there's no "safe" time of year when it comes to suicide. In a release last month, the Minnesota Department of Health says the suicide rate in Minnesota stayed about the same in 2024 when compared to 2023, according to preliminary data. "That has not happened in almost two decades. It seems to be plateauing," said Goehl-Manolis. The data also shows those under 25 in Minnesota are seeing lower suicide rates. "Talk with people. It's okay to talk with the person who is struggling," Goehl-Manolis said. "People can recover. There's always a light." If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day to talk about anything. In addition, help is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 or text "HelpLine" to 62640. There are more than 600 local NAMI organizations and affiliates across the country, many of which offer free support and education programs.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NAMI to host movie night at UPMC Park this Friday
Enjoy a free movie at UPMC Park this Friday night. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Erie County is hosting a free Mental Health Movie in the Park night on Friday, June 13. They will be showing Inside Out 2 at 8:00 p.m., with admission beginning at 7:00 p.m. Men's Mental Health Awareness Month aims to stop stigma of seeking professional health The goal of this event is to raise awareness for mental health among children and adults in an open and friendly environment. Guests can bring blankets and lawn chairs and watch the movie on the field. There will also be vendors, informational resources, giveaways and more. For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
