Home Letter from the President

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We advocate for changes that will improve the quality of life for our loved ones and as consumers ourselves, including dispelling stigma and promoting mental illness as a treatable physical disorder, as equal to any other physical disorder.

Support: The diagnosis of a mental illness is life-altering for the person with the disorder and their loved ones. The difficulties faced in such a time should not be dealt with alone. At a NAMI Gwinnett meeting, you will find others who have faced similar challenges. NAMI members, through personal sharing and empathy, either face to face or by phone, can offer encouragement, information, and most importantly, hope. Our members know that burdens are lighter when they are shared.

Education: Education is the key to eliminating common misconceptions about mental illness. At our meetings there are discussions that cover a broad range of topics dealing with mental illness. We provide excellent and free opportunities to gain coping skills through our educational programs. We have an outreach presentation that can be given to various civic groups aimed at eradicating the false ideas and information, known as stigma, within the community.

Advocacy: We support community based programs that assist people with mental illness in returning to productive citizenship.

• We work for procedures that provide hospitalization when it is needed.
• We encourage legislation that supports the needs of the entire mental health service delivery system.
• We strongly urge medical treatment as an alternative to incarceration for those with mental illness who have committed minor violations.

Alan McDaniel, President NAMI Gwinnett

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