“The reason I helped co-found National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is because my brother was diagnosed with schizophrenia,” said executive director of NAMI, Mary Kay Pierce.
NAMI Richland County was established in 1997 and is a non-profit organization that specializes in serving individuals, family, and friends with severe mental illnesses. NAMI provides information, support, and education on mental illnesses. NAMI is both a state and national organization and works with American Disability Act (ADA).
“We try to empower families through education,” said Pierce. Pierce is joined by associate director Darlene Reed and both women have nursing backgrounds.
It has been identified that individuals with mental illness demonstrate signs and symptoms before the age of 24. “Depression is the most common illness and then bipolar disorder. You know your families. If you have a loved one who appears to have lost joy, who hasn’t smiled, who isn’t sleeping, you know that’s not the normal. They need to be connected to services. Suicide is preventable,” said Pierce.
Reed and Pierce want to connect with families and give them hope. “We’re family members helping family members,” said Reed. Pierce and Reed made note that almost all of the Mansfield Police Department has been trained to handle situations where these illnesses may occur.
“If you call 9-1-1, ask for a Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) officer. There is also a call center helpline that is available 24/7. NAMI is a part time office, so if it’s an emergency call the helpline. They will provide immediate assistance,” said Pierce. Richland County has the highest number of CIT trained personnel in the state.
Pierce stated that genetics does play a role in mental illnesses. “We know genetics plays a part in being diagnosed with mental illnesses. Whenever there is a severe change in behavior, make sure they get a good physical and get educated on mental illnesses. These are competent people with brain illnesses, they’re treatable,” said Pierce.
NAMI Richland County will offer free Family to Family Classes beginning Thursday, September 12. The classes will occur every Thursday through November 21. The classes begin at 6 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. at the Mental Health and Recovery Services, Conference Room on 87 E. First Street, Suite L in Mansfield.
Family to Family Classes will provide a series of 11 weekly classes. The classes will help caregivers fully understand and support adult individuals with a serious mental illness. Some of what the classes will include is suicide prevention, medications, and what to do in a crisis situation. Registration is required for attendance and those attending must commit to attending at least 8 of the 11 classes.
For further information on registration for classes or severe mental illnesses, call 419-522-6264. NAMI Richland County is located on 420 Stewart Lane in Mansfield.
“We try to empower families through education,” said Mary Kay Pierce.