What are the most urgent mental health issues in the community? Why does mental health matter? What are the biggest challenges to accessing help, and how can this be improved locally? These were questions from an informal survey of a group of about a dozen attendees at a community mental health town hall hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at the Red Bluff Community Center on a rainy Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 24.
The attendees included representatives from a variety of local organizations, and Sheriff Dave Kain and Undersheriff Jeff Garrett of the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office.
All shared input about challenges around the community and areas for improvement. NAMI Regional Lead Matilda Grace, who led the meeting, said the purpose was to strengthen relationships among organizations and leaders, and that the input would be shared with the supervisors and local behavioral health.
Grace told the attendees NAMI’s presence in Tehama County currently includes two on-campus clubs at Corning and Red Bluff High Schools.
The on-campus programs are intended to raise awareness around mental health issues and empower students through resources and materials. Information from the organization stated the clubs are open to all students, and are not meant to be therapy or a support group.
Grace said NAMI would like to grow in the county, and existing groups or organizations could potentially incorporate NAMI programs, like peer-to-peer educational programs. Potential volunteer positions through NAMI California could include facilitating a support group, serving as a high school club advisor or assisting with fundraising. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Grace at matilda@namica.org or 916-567-0163, extension 120.
Grace said NAMI programs are evidence-based, and the grassroots nonprofit largely relies on a volunteer base. More information about the organization can be found at namica.org.