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County NAMI organization gains official status

Greenville Herald-Banner - 4/15/2017

April 15--After around nine months of training, validation and planning, NAMI Hunt County has been granted official status as the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

As the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization, the group's mission is to provide support for family and friends of individuals living with mental illnesses.

"We're off to a terrific start," chapter president Bill Rutherford said.

According to research conducted by NAMI, one in five -- 43.8 million -- adults experience a mental illness in a given year.

Illnesses such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), anxiety disorders, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD (Obsessive-compulsive Disorder), PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder), schizophrenia and many others are all considered mental health conditions. While there are different treatment options for individuals that suffer from a mental illness, NAMI provides a support program for the family and friends of these individuals.

As a structure based organization, NAMI groups all over the country attempt to combat stigma and provide education and advocacy to help improve the lives of those living with mental illnesses.

NAMI isn't new to Hunt County, however, a group previously existed in Greenville before it dissolved years ago.

Rutherford said he's looking forward to the return of the group and how it makes an impact on the community.

"We should be able to do a lot of good here in Hunt County -- it's very exciting," he said.

The group will meet at 6 p.m., on the second Tuesday of every month in the sixth floor boardroom at Hunt Regional Medical Center, 4215 Joe Ramsey, in Greenville.

Those who wish to learn more information about NAMI Hunt County are encouraged to call the information line at 903-453-3351 or email nami4huntco@gmail.com

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