NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley, an affiliate of the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, has received a $100,000 grant to expand its education and support programs in West Liberty, Iowa.
The NAMI affiliate, located in Davenport, is one of 10 nationwide to be awarded a competitive grant for working with diverse populations. The grants are funded by a $30 million gift to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley offers free nationally developed education and support programs that teach families to cope, communicate and effectively advocate for a loved one living with a mental health condition. Volunteers with lived experience deliver these programs, which complement the work of healthcare and social work professionals.
“West Liberty is a unique rural community in Iowa historically known for its racial and ethnic diversity. Some 48% of its population is Hispanic or Latino,” said Angela Gallagher, executive director of NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley.
“Their mental health has been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and social issues,” she added in the news release announcing the expansion.
Citing an Iowa Department of Public Health Bureau of Health Statistics study from 2015 to 2020, the NAMI affiliate said the rate of suicide had already risen 128% prior to the pandemic for Iowa Latinos ages 20 and older.
“NAMI sees an opportunity to forge a public-private partnership between its largest employer, economic development experts, school system and faith communities to build better lives through increased access to mental health services and supports,” Ms. Gallagher added. “Our work together takes on significance as rural communities typically lack behavioral health resources.”
She said NAMI will train volunteers from within the community to provide its education and support programs for individuals living with a mental health condition and their families. “Our work has been designed through input from community leaders who are making mental wellness a top priority for advancing quality of life in West Liberty. This includes a focus on the community’s youth,” she said.
NAMI’s work is also guided by Dr. Deepa Ravi, St. Ambrose University Master of Public Health candidate and Connor Lillis, Master of Social Work candidate as well as Trinity-Muscatine Public Health department.
To date, two West Liberty volunteers have completed NAMI family educator training and will be offering programs beginning in March. These programs include:
- NAMI Family & Friends Seminar is free, open to the public, and scheduled from 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 21, at First Church United, West Liberty. Topics include: understanding diagnoses, treatment and recovery, effective communication strategies, the importance of self-care, and crisis preparation strategies.
- NAMI Family-to-Family education program will be held eight Thursday evenings beginning April 4 at First Church United. This free course is designed for qualifying family members and significant others who support an adult loved one living with a mental health condition. Course topics include family response to trauma, diagnosis and dealing with critical periods, problem solving, communications skills, and self-care for caregivers. The program is taught by trained family members who have lived experience with mental illness.
Register for either NAMI program here.
According to NAMI, 50% of all mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24. On average, it takes 11 years before someone gets help. The sooner help is sought and received, the greater the chance for recovery.
