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December 9, 2004

NAMI Peer-to-Peer Recovery Program
To Expand Nationally in 2005

Arlington, VA – NAMI’s (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) Peer-to-Peer Recovery Education Program will be expanding in 2005 as the result of support from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.

The Peer-to-Peer program is a 9-week experiential education course in which people who are in recovery from mental illness teach coping strategies to others pursuing recovery.

"Recovery for people living with mental illness is our goal; this grant allows our successful program to grow. We are grateful to AstraZeneca for this support in helping consumers," says NAMI national executive director, Michael Fitzpatrick.

The program was piloted in four states in 2000 and has grown to date to 15 states overall. It currently is operating in Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington State and Wisconsin. The next phase of expansion will involve approximately 10 states in consultation with NAMI state leaders.

The program is taught by teams of three "mentors," focusing on:

• Treatment and coping strategies,
• Relapse prevention plan and identifying "triggers,"
• Advance directives for mental health care decision making; equivalent to a durable power of attorney, and
• Awareness to increase focus, attention and calm in managing an illness.

Learn more about NAMI's Peer-to-Peer Program.

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