We had a fun in the dark meeting this morning. Power was out in a section of south Reno, including our meeting location. One member had a portable power system in his car that we plugged the digital projector into, and another member did a quick run to his house for battery powered work lights.
Today's speaker talked about mental health resources. American Davis from Northern Nevada National Alliance on Mental Illness talked about the services that NAMI offers. Their programs work with individuals living with mental health conditions, with family members, and with community partners. NAMI programs include education programs, support groups, and outreach. Unfortunately, Nevada ranks at the bottom of most mental health rankings.
The support groups are facilitated by trained facilitators, and there are groups that are in both English and in Spanish. Many of NAMI's programs are peer-to-peer, as some of their clients do not feel comfortable sitting in the office of a mental health professional. Towards this end they maintain a 24/7 call in phone line and a teen text line.
They also have mental health education classes that are 8 weeks long in both English and Spanish.
Local partners include the CARES Campus, Eddy House, local courts, the Washoe County Sheriff's detention facility, and schools.
For additional information go to www.naminorthernnevada.org or call 775-433-1470