In the News
NAMI Ohio Executive Director Terry Russell was recently interviewed by NBC4 about his career and dedication to those living with mental illness and their families.
Commitment to Mental Illness in the Governor’s State of the State Address
NAMI Ohio Executive Director Terry Russell was humbled to be recognized for his contribution to those living with mental illness and their families by Governor DeWine during today’s State of the State Address. More important than the recognition was Governor DeWine’s message about the need to fulfill the promises that were never kept after the closure of Ohio’s state psychiatric hospitals.
NAMI Ohio stands ready to work with the Governor, and Legislature, in any way we can to ensure that Ohio’s citizens living with mental illness have the support and care needed to live successful lives.
NAMI Ohio is an organization that represents those living with mental illness and their families. We have never been more excited than we are today about the opportunities presented in the State of the State Address.
We want to thank Governor DeWine for his years of support of those we represent and for his commitment to correct past failures that have negatively impacted so many people.
Future generations will remember today’s State of the State Address in the same way we remember Dorothea Dix in the late 1800s begging for mental health reform.
NAMI Ohio and all of those that we represent urges everyone that has an opportunity to be part of this change to make it happen! It is time now to fulfill the promises that were never kept and give every Ohio citizen living with mental illness and their families the care that they deserve.
If anyone needs help navigating the mental health system, please do not hesitate to contact NAMI Ohio at 800-686-2646 or namiohio@namiohio.org
You can watch the video of State of the State Address on the Ohio Channel at the link below:
https://ohiochannel.org/
Mental Health Rehabilitation Center will Become a Reality in Lucas County
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ohio, the state’s voice on mental illness, and one of the largest statewide mental health advocacy organizations in the country, thanks Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur for her work to secure funding to build the second mental health rehabilitation center in the state of Ohio. The $2 million that was allocated was passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives and is currently awaiting President Biden’s signature.
The Northwest Ohio Mental Health Rehabilitation Center will serve individuals coming out of psychiatric hospitals and provide care for up to 90 days allowing these individuals the time needed to stabilize and plan for discharge and continuing care in the community.
None of this would have happened if it was not for the dedication of the Lucas County ADAMH Board and especially the executive director Scott Sylak. They are the ones who joined hands with NAMI Ohio to make this rehabilitation center a reality for the citizens of their community.
Terry Russell, NAMI Ohio Executive Director says, “We see every day the consequences of untreated mental illness. We see the people on the streets and in our jails and prisons. There are many individuals living with mental illness who are cared for by their families who are ill-equipped to deal with their complex mental health symptoms. Due to the courage of the longest-serving female congresswoman to ever serve, Marcy Kaptur, we will save countless lives.”
We also recognize Lori Criss, Director, of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for her ongoing support of these mental health rehabilitation centers.
For those who want to contribute to this project, please contact the NAMI Ohio office at 614-224-2700.
For those who want more information, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office via email at namiohio@namiohio.org.