In its continued efforts to improve access to mental health services, the BayCare Health System recently awarded a $100,000 grant to the four National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) affiliates in the Tampa Bay area.
The grant allows the chapters to collaborate on an awareness campaign to reach across the Tampa Bay area, as well as to meet the unique needs of the Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk county NAMI organizations, according to a news release.
The mission of NAMI is advocacy, education, support and public awareness, so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
The mental health service organization provides free support groups and education courses to individuals and their families by supplying resources to local behavioral health agencies, and by sharing experiences during presentations to corporations, faith organizations, community groups and others, the release says.
The affiliates in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Polk counties each will receive $25,000, while Pasco County requested and received $21,928. Each chapter requested money to meet needs specific to that area, and each also contributed more than $7,700 of its grant money for the awareness campaign, “You Are Not Alone.”
The campaign will consist of direct mail and social media, with the goal of reaching those who feel alone during this time of social isolation and physical distancing, to spread the word that help is available.
Published April 07, 2021
