MANSFIELD — Mary Kay Pierce has announced she will retire as Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Richland County.
Pierce was co-founder of the organization. She has decided to step down effective Nov. 30 — after 22 years of leading NAMI.
“It has been an honor and privilege to lead NAMI Richland County and serve our families and the community,” Pierce said.
“I am so grateful to my family, entire staff, the NAMI Board, the Richland County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board & Staff, NAMI Ohio, and our Richland County mental health agencies for all their work and support of our loved ones and families through the years.”
Pierce has been working this past year with Aubrie Hall, Associate Director of NAMI to ensure a seamless transition as Hall assumes the position of Executive Director in December.
During Pierce’s tenure, NAMI established many community education programs and support groups for families and loved ones with mental illness.
She worked tirelessly to end the stigma of mental illness, provide families with support, education, and direction to quality treatment.
Her advocacy over the years led her to testify at the statehouse to keep psychiatric beds available for persons who needed longer treatment and to insure insurance coverage for NAMI families.
In 2007 she was awarded the Healthcare Consumer Advocate of the year by The Ohio Society for Healthcare Consumer Advocacy.
Pierce also collaborated with the Richland County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board, law enforcement, mental health agencies, Mansfield Playhouse and NAMI families to bring Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training to Richland County in 2004.
To date, more than 631 first responders have completed the training with the hope of getting individuals with mental health concerns whenever possible to medical treatment and support towards wellness instead of the jail.
In addition, Pierce was also instrumental in bringing a team of agencies together to establish Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) in 2018 in the Richland County Probate Court.
This program brings a group of professionals around individuals with severe mental illness helping them engage in treatment and offering support towards wellness.
“Our NAMI has a strong presence in Richland County,” Pierce said.
“With the very capable hands of Aubrie Hall, will continue to do what we have always done to serve those living with mental health conditions, their families, and the community for decades to come.”