NAMI Montana Does Critical Work
September is Suicide Prevention Month. It’s also the month when NAMIWalks take place across the country, including Montana. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) is an incredible organization that does critically important work, including hosting education programs, facilitating support groups, providing mental health trainings, advocating for access to services, and offering a compassionate place to turn for the millions of Americans living with mental illness.
In Montana, the NAMIWalk raises the funds that are absolutely a necessity in order for NAMI Montana to fulfill it’s mission. This year, the funds will also go towards the operation of the Our Place Drop-In Center in Helena, Montana as well as the mental health wing of St. Peter’s Hospital. This is incredibly exciting.
However, the daily work of NAMI is what really makes this organization stand out. NAMI employees help those in need of guidance and resources. At my organization’s website, we link to an incredible list of county mental illness resources that NAMI Montana worked tirelessly to put together. These resources are especially important in a state like Montana where people living in rural areas can feel uniquely isolated as well as removed from mental healthcare.
Montana’s Suicide Rate Is Too High
Montana has one of the highest suicide rates in the country and an has been called an “epicenter of a mental health crisis.” According to the National Institutes of Health, among individuals reporting a lifetime history of suicide attempt, over 70% had an anxiety disorder. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that “when unmitigated, anxiety disorders ... can endanger one’s life.”
It’s for this reason that organization’s like mine are so grateful for NAMI Montana. When people are ready to seek treatment and help, they have a place to turn.
The Awareness Network has a NAMIWalk Team and we’d greatly appreciate your support. The Montana NAMIWalk is this Sunday (Sept. 25), so the deadline is approaching.
You can also start your own NAMIWalk Team HERE.