Conference focuses on mental illness

One in four people will battle a mental illness at some point in their life.

The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) is holding a conference to meet the needs of the smaller affiliates in Marquette and Alger Counties.

Organizers say a primary concern is the label that has been given to people with a mental illness.

Public Policy Chairperson Mark Creekmore kicked off the conference, saying grass–roots campaigns are the key to change.

“It would be great if people could be more involved in the development of mental health services and in talking about mental illness so that we reduce the stigma that mental illness has because it’s so common and help is needed,” Creekmore said.  “Help needs to be provided by the family members and people in the community, outside of the normal professional services and that is what NAMI is all about.”

“There is a lot of stigma, a lot of mental illness and a lot of need that we have identified and our goal from this conference is that it will empower people and they will feel more confident,” Local NAMI Chapter member Louise Wilcox.

NAMI wants to work with you to educate, advocate and support.  If you are interested in volunteering, please visit www.namimi.org or call 800-331–4264.