 Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or coworkers. That is why each year, during the first week of October, NAMI and participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness, fight discrimination and provide support through Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW). We believe that mental health conditions are important to discuss year-round, but highlighting them during MIAW provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates across the country to come together as one unified voice. Since 1990, when Congress officially established the first full week of October as MIAW, advocates have worked together to sponsor activities, large or small, to educate the public about mental illness. This year’s MIAW is centered around our new awareness campaign, “Together for Mental Health,” where we will focus on the importance of advocating for better care for people with serious mental illness (SMI). Mental Illness Awareness Week runs from October 3–9 and coincides with additional related events:
NAMI has developed wonderful materials for NAMI members to use to engage in Mental Illness Awareness Week. Information, resources and graphics to support Mental Illness Awareness Week can be downloaded here. Additional stats, infographics and resources can also be found on the Mental Health by the Numbers web page. Please also visit NAMI's Mental Illness Awareness Week page for videos, blogs posts, personal stories, social media posts, fast facts. 
Upcoming NAMI Walks Show your support for the cause of mental health by participating in NAMI Walks Your Way. There are three Texas NAMI Walks on Saturday, and one in November. You can participate in NAMI Walks however you like (Your Way) and all are welcome! Click the images below to learn more about Walks being hosted by NAMI Tarrant County, NAMI San Antonio, NAMI El Paso, and NAMI Brazos Valley.     Education and Support NAMI Texas and our Affiliates offer a wide range of support groups and education classes for a variety of audiences. There is no cost to participate in any of these programs. Help is HERE for you and your loved ones.   Advocacy NAMI Texas continues to actively engage in mental health advocacy to improve the quality of life for Texans affected by mental illness.  The Peer Policy Fellow of NAMI Texas, Matthew Lovitt, visits with the Texas House Committee on Appropriations today, October 6th. NAMI Texas Peer Leadership Council This past weekend, NAMI peer leaders from across Texas came to Austin for the NAMI Texas Peer Leadership Council Annual Retreat. The NAMI Texas Peer Leadership Council exists to advance the activities and involvement of the Peer membership of NAMI at the local, state and national levels by actively participating in advocacy issues and program development. NAMI Texas would like to thank the local NAMI Affiliates and individuals who donated to help the Peer Leadership Council cover the costs associated with the retreat. Additionally, we thank the Council members and NAMI Texas Outreach Coordinator Grace Mansfield for dedicating their time and talents to make the retreat a success. If you'd like to learn more about the Peer Leadership Council, we recommend attending Forward to Wellness, as a panel discussion featuring Peer Leadership Council members will be held.    NAMI Texas Annual Conference and Awards Celebration Forward To Wellness (the 2021 NAMI Texas Annual Conference and Awards Celebration) is fast approaching. It will be held via the CVENT Virtual Attendee Hub on November 12th and 13th. We're planning another newsletter in which we will highlight various workshops, awardees, sponsors, and more, but for now, we'd like to encourage you to register for the Conference and help us spread the word about it. A few workshops, speakers, and sponsors have been announced already on our Conference registration page, with many more to come.   Takeda is a Partner-level sponsor of Forward to Wellness. Amerigroup is a Partner-level sponsor of Forward to Wellness.  The Circle of Hope is a passionate group of monthly givers who are on a mission to improve the quality of life of all individuals living with mental illness and their families. Your monthly gift helps NAMI Texas continue to bring hope and recovery through support, education, and advocacy to thousands of Texans living with mental illness and their families.   |
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