National Alliance on Mental Illness – Nassau
Press Release
President Nancy Bell
May 19, 2021
Did you know May is Mental Health Awareness Month? And what better time to pay attention to the effects of fear and social isolation upon those of us who suffer from mental health challenges?
Mental illness is a challenge at any time of year and in any time of life, but certainly during the Covid-19 pandemic. It can be invisible and all-encompassing, affecting people of all ages and all parts of our community. NAMI Nassau County FL (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has been in existence for many years, started, as many NAMI chapters are, by parents of a grown child with mental illness. But, unfortunately, we were forced to scale back over the past months. That is why we are particularly proud to announce the formation of a new board and the resumption of in-person support groups.
NAMI Nassau County FL currently offers a Family Support Group (for family members of people with mental health challenges) and a NAMI Support Group for people suffering mental health challenges.
Family Support Group, facilitated by family members of those with a mental illness, meets the first and third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 to 8 PM at the Alachua Club, 32 North 3rd Street, Fernandina Beach FL. Upcoming dates are: May 18, June 1, June 15, July 6, and July 20.
NAMI Support (Connections) Group, facilitated by those diagnosed with a mental health issue, meets every Friday from 11 AM – 12:30PM, starting June 4, at the Council on Aging building, 1901 Island Walk Way, Fernandina Beach FL 32034.
Members of the reorganized NAMI Nassau County FL board for 2021 are: Nancy Bell, President; Cathy DeCou, Vice President; Melinda Sullivan, Secretary; Chris Inserra, Communications Chair; Katrina Robinson-Wheeler; Angela Aragon; Abigail Fields; and Doug Adkins.
We also have many committed volunteers with room for many more. Areas in which we can use community expertise include fundraising and grant writing; communications via social media and on our website; focus groups to help us reach more members of the community; people interested in being trained to conduct support groups and other signature NAMI programs; a volunteer treasurer or accountant; and general database management. If you are interested in volunteering, would like more information or have questions of any type, contact us at naminassauflorida.org. Or phone us at 904-277-1886, leaving a message, please, as this line is not manned.