NAMI Erie rocks the bayfront at new fundraiser event
The National Alliance on Mental Illness hosted its very first NAMI Rocks event Wednesday night at Oliver's Beer Garden.
Erie Insurance awards $900,000 in grants to education nonprofits across NWPA
The event started after a NAMI board member's band was performing at the venue, and decided to bring some awareness for NAMI during his show.
The nonprofit raised money through raffles and 50-50 tickets, all of which will benefit their Guns and Hoses event in August.
City council has debate before approving spending on Miller Brothers building roof
'Even though it's summer and we're feeling better, for some, it actually makes it worse. So, it doesn't mean that we have to not continue to raise awareness for mental health awareness, reduced stigma, so that folks will continue to seek help when they need it,' said Wendy Jacobs, executive director of NAMI Erie County.
Nami's Guns and Hoses event will take place on August 3, featuring a softball game between local police officers and firefighters.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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CNET
3 hours ago
- CNET
Feeling the Heat? These Hacks Can Protect Your Mental Health
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Mental health conditions may increase your risk for heat-related illness Your risk of heat-related illness can increase if you have a mental health condition. But it's not a simple line from point A (having a mental illness) to B (having a higher risk). It all comes down to what resources you have access to, your awareness of your condition and the medications you take. I spoke with Dr. Ken Duckworth, chief medical officer at National Alliance on Mental Illness. During our conversation, he stressed the importance of access: "People with mental health conditions are more likely to not have access to air conditioning, and isolation can result for people who feel like they can't move or leave." One mental health condition can make it harder for your body to deal with high temperatures. A review published in the Journal of Schizophrenia Research revealed that those with schizophrenia have more difficulty adapting to heat. 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"Learn about yourself, understand your patterns and don't feel bad if your pattern happens to be when everyone else is going to the beach." Some mood disorders like bipolar disorder are also aggravated when there is more light. A systematic review of studies found that heat triggers bipolar episodes that require hospital stays at a higher rate than other temperatures. However, as Duckworth explained, light is just one variable and doesn't mean you'll have more episodes. Those with bipolar disorder can plan and anticipate to reduce their risk. Tips to manage your daily mental health in the heat Just because it's hot outside doesn't mean your mental health will suffer. Being intentional about nourishing your health and looking for triggers can help you manage your wellness and beat the heat. Many tactics used to protect your body also apply to your mental health. Use these practical tips to enjoy the summer while boosting your mental health. Know how heat impacts your condition: Knowledge is one of the most essential components in the fight against heat. Talk to your doctor about how the heat may impact you or your medications, then plan accordingly. Knowledge is one of the most essential components in the fight against heat. Talk to your doctor about how the heat may impact you or your medications, then plan accordingly. Pay attention to your water intake : Dehydration is more prevalent during heat waves. Those with mental health conditions must pay special attention to how much water they drink, as dehydration can exacerbate symptoms. It also can compromise brain functioning and hamper serotonin production. : Dehydration is more prevalent during heat waves. Those with mental health conditions must pay special attention to how much water they drink, as dehydration can exacerbate symptoms. It also can compromise brain functioning and hamper serotonin production. Keep taking your medication : Even though some psychiatric drugs can impact a person's ability to regulate body temperature, it's essential to keep taking your medication as prescribed. If you want to discontinue a prescription, you must speak with your doctor to establish a plan. : Even though some psychiatric drugs can impact a person's ability to regulate body temperature, it's essential to keep taking your medication as prescribed. If you want to discontinue a prescription, you must speak with your doctor to establish a plan. Take a cool shower or bath: Bathing in cool water can help you manage the heat. It's imperative if you don't have an air conditioner. Bathing in cool water can help you manage the heat. It's imperative if you don't have an air conditioner. Identify triggers: For those living with SAD or summertime blues, it's important to identify your triggers to establish coping mechanisms. Recognize the patterns you have and plan accordingly. FGHeat and mental health is everyone's problem Your mental wellness is more intertwined with the temperature outside than you may have expected. The relationship is two-fold. First, being in the heat can leave you feeling stressed and compromise your ability to regulate your mood. Second, having mental health conditions -- especially if you take medication for them -- can increase your risk for heat-related illnesses if you don't have resources and support. Those with mental health conditions like schizophrenia are overrepresented in at-risk and homeless populations. Change is a shared responsibility that we all should take seriously. To do your part, consider checking in on your neighbors and family members with mental health conditions to make sure they have access to water and fans and to reduce their social isolation. If your city has cooling centers, spread the word. Community support can be the key to making heat less dangerous to mental health.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- 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
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- 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.
