NAMI South Central Iowa advocate uses personal experience to fight mental health stigma
BLOOMFIELD, Iowa — Employees of an Iowa nonprofit are hoping to end the stigma around mental illness.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, also known as NAMI, is a support system that has helped millions of affected Americans.
The nonprofit’s south-central Iowa chapter assists families in Appanoose County—and is expanding its services to Wapello, Davis and Mahaska counties. Families in those areas will soon have access to mental health support groups and educational resources at no cost to them.
The chapter’s development director, Bethany Woodard, says she’s passionate about helping others who struggle with mental illness because it's an issue that's dear to her heart.
“This is very personal for me because I have a very close family member who has been dealing with mental illness," Woodard said. "We can be there for each other. And that’s why it’s so important for me to be able to share about the resources that NAMI provides.”
NAMI is seeking volunteers to help facilitate support groups in the south-central Iowa region. It helps if prospective volunteers have experience dealing with mental illness.
The nonprofit is also hoping to partner with other community organizations with a similar mission.
CLICK HERE to learn more about NAMI South Central Iowa.
