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Tel. 740-375-5581 |
Buckeye Family |
827 North Main St. |
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Fax 740-375-5583 |
www.BuckeyeFamily.com |
Marion, Ohio 43302 |
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For the Chronically Mentally Ill, A Good Home Can Be Hard To Find. |
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NAMI means "National Alliance for the Mentally Ill." This is a volunteer and consumer based organization made of mostly family members of mentally ill individuals. In addition, there are a number of organizations and other individuals who are members. This organization monitors the mental health system in each state, and lobby's upon behalf of the mentally ill. While NAMI is more effective and influential in some states than in others, it is much more effective and influential than indiduals acting on their own. In Ohio, it is not uncommon to find members of NAMI on the various county mental health boards and at the state level. NAMI offers its members education, advocacy, and support for people with brain disorders (mental illness). It is recommended, if you have a family member or friend suffering from mental illness, that you contact the State office, become a member and have the state chapter hook you up with the appropriate county chapter. Then you will be able to start to understand the politics of mental health both in the state and in your particular county. Contact http://www.namiohio.org/ as a starting point. NAMI is the most effective response to the needs of the mentally ill in Ohio. Now, for a word on politics! Everything involves politics and all politics are local. Sound familiar? It is absolutely true. Fortunately, small population counties are much easier to penetrate the political system and understand how to impact it. NAMI can help you with the process, whether you live in a small or large population county. Remember, the intent of your political efforts should be to help develop the kind of mental health system that will provide better services. |