NAMI marks Mental Health Awareness Month by cutting ribbon on community-based center to help those struggling with mental health challenges get on a path to recovery
SUMMIT, IL – Today the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Metro Suburban and Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez celebrated the grand opening of its newest Living Room located in Summit, Illinois. Launching at the start of Mental Health Awareness Month, this is their first fully bilingual Living Room, complete with mental health peer counselors and clinicians offering support services in both Spanish and English.
“As the pandemic continues to interrupt people’s daily lives and emotional health, we are thrilled to expand our services to a community that has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 by offering a safe space and refuge for those seeking mental health wellness and care,” said Kimberly Knake, Executive Director, NAMI Metro Suburban. “If we want to have an impact, it’s important to meet people where they are and provide a space where they are comfortable communicating their needs. We could not be more excited to be here today.”
A holistic, person-centered model, NAMI Living Rooms serve any adult experiencing concerns related to their mental health at no cost. NAMI utilizes a strengths and evidence-based approach that relies on a peer model of support. Through this approach, peers offer their unique lived experience with mental health conditions to provide support focused on advocacy, education, mentoring, and motivation. NAMI Living Rooms also serve as
an alternative to the emergency room to help people who are struggling with mental health issues normalize what they’re feeling and get the help they need or start on a path to recovery.
“It is great to see NAMI bring their services to the Village of Summit. Too often mental health has been ignored, not addressed, or carried a negative stigma,” said Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez. “This must not be the case. The Living Room breaks that stigma and provides a safe place where people can get the resources and supports they need. I welcome NAMI with open arms into the community of Summit.”
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Living Room, NAMI Metro Suburban hosted a community wellness celebration that included Living Room tours, health screenings, and wellness demonstrations. Last year alone, NAMI Metro Suburban served 338 individuals through their Living Rooms and 95% of guests reported a reduction in distress, with half of Living Room guests returning for follow-up services. On average, the Living Room program has saved community members over $1,000,000 in Emergency Room costs
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