Local Events In Recognition Of May As Mental Health Awareness Month

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Indiana is amplifying the voices of individuals living with mental illness through community presentations and partnerships, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.

NAMI Indiana is hosting a lived experience presentation, NAMI In Our Own Voice, at the Pike branch of the Indianapolis Public Library on Tuesday, May 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This public education program features trained speakers who share compelling personal stories about living with mental illness and achieving recovery. This presentation is free, open to anyone in the community, and a complimentary dinner will be served.

With 16 local affiliates throughout the state, NAMI Indiana offers nearly 30 support groups for individuals with mental illness and their loved ones. NAMI Indiana affiliates also coordinate public education classes to help people and families better navigate their mental health diagnoses.

Upcoming free, NAMI Indiana education classes include a NAMI Family & Friends seminar in Terre Haute on Saturday, May 13 and a NAMI Peer-to-Peer class in Fort Wayne beginning Friday, June 2.

NAMI Indiana will also recognize Mental Health Awareness Month by partnering with Mental Health America Indiana (MHAI) and the Indiana Council of Community Mental Health Centers (ICCMHC) to light Monument Circle in Indianapolis green, May 10 through May 16.

The Circle is lit green for mental health thanks to the support of the following sponsors:

• May 10 – IU – Cancer Center
• May 11 – Belden
• May 12 – 4C Health
• May 13 – CareSource
• May 14 – InteCare, Inc.
• May 15 – Centerstone
• May 16 – Aware Recovery Care

Mental Health Awareness Month has been recognized in the United States in the month of May since 1949. This year, NAMI Indiana, MHAI, and ICCMHC hope to bring awareness and attention to the resources they offer for Hoosiers. 1 in 5 U.S. adults and 1 in 6 U.S. youth experience mental illness each year, and less than half of them receive treatment.

NAMI Indiana recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month to continue letting more Hoosiers know they are not alone. All people, no matter where they are on their mental health journey are deserving of support, resources, fulfillment, and a community that cares. For more information visit www.namiindiana.org/mental-health-awareness-month.