We
have been deeply touched by the tragic events at Sandy
Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut and we
mourn the young lives our nation lost. It was an
event that defied all that we know about mental illnesses.
As an organization of individuals who live with mental
illnesses, their families and advocates who understand
recovery-oriented systems of care, we know that these
senseless crises can be minimized, but that also means
that we have to maintain this sense of urgency and help
change happen.
Who,
better than NAMI members, understand the fears associated
with untreated or inadequately treated mental illnesses?
Who better understands the frustrations of treatment
delays, wait lists, ineligibility for services, or an
inability to pay for treatment?
If
we cannot choose this moment to resolve that we will work
together to prevent more tragedies, then we have not
learned a thing, and the tragic lessons are bound to be
repeated.
NAMI
has much to offer... and we stand ready to do so through
all that we do best... education, advocacy and support.
Let's make 2013 our year of paying tribute to all whose
lives were lost in this year gone by. Let's expand
education throughout Illinois in hopes that future
tragedies will be minimized through early identification
and treatment of mental health challenges.
We
have challenges ahead, but many Illinoisans who live with
mental illnesses already successfully live their
challenges. Please join us all in moving forward.
Please
consider one more year-end tax deductible contribution
this year to support NAMI Illinois' education efforts.
Click
here to make your donation using a secure
on-line form.
Together,
we can shape our future.
Thank
you... we look forward to a big - and successful - mental
health agenda for 2013!
