Pittsburgh – The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has chosen NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania as the recipient of its 2020 Outstanding NAMI State Organization Award. The announcement coincided with NAMI’s virtual convention that took place on July 13-14. The award recognizes the exemplary efforts to carry out the NAMI mission.
“We are thrilled to have been honored with this award,” said Christine Michaels, CEO of NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania. “Our staff and volunteer program leaders are so dedicated and we have an active and supportive Board of Directors, so it is very meaningful to have the national office recognize the hard work."
NAMI has state organizations and affiliates across the United States. In Pennsylvania, NAMI Keystone PA, which is based in Pittsburgh, serves as the state organization and there are 31 affiliates across the state.
“We work very closely with our affiliates and they do an outstanding job providing mental health awareness, support, and education in their communities,” said Michaels. “This award is a reflection of their hard work, too.”
NAMI provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Its support groups and educational programs and presentations are offered at no cost to participants. All of NAMI’s signature programs are led by trained facilitators.
"As the state organization, we organize the trainings that certify volunteers to lead a peer or family support group, or an educational program. After the training, they return to their affiliate in their community where they can provide help and hope to individuals and families who need it.”
This is the second year in a row that NAMI has recognized Pennsylvania. During its 2019 convention in Seattle, they honored NAMI Keystone PA and all NAMI members in Pennsylvania with the “Outstanding NAMI Member Award.” That award is the highest honor given to members in recognition of their longstanding effective work toward accomplishing NAMI goals.
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