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NAMI meetings in Morehead connect people to mental health support and resources

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Officials with NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, an organization which aims to help improve the lives of people with mental disorders, are holding support group meetings in Morehead. NAMI connects people with tools and services from advocacy to healthcare. Organizers said anyone is welcome, and they offer support for all types of mental illness.

Carol Mauriello, a local NAMI affiliate, said these gatherings are for people who currently receive help and those who are exploring their options. She said their chapter is growing, but they still offer help to anyone who needs it.

“Our affiliate is very small right now. So, we’re not doing a lot of the things some of the larger ones are doing. But we do still have a support group. And that is for both people who have mental illnesses and families of those who want to come,” said Mauriello.

Mauriello said fighting preconceived notions about people with mental illness is one of the most important aspects of the local effort.

“Connection is really important for all humans. And I think it’s difficult because they’re afraid. It gives them a place where they can talk freely. They’re afraid for people to know sometimes that this is what they’re struggling with, there’s still a stigma around mental illness.”

Mauriello said not only are people with mental illness welcome to the free meetings, so are their families. She said some NAMI affiliates have separate meetings for loved ones, but her chapter has joint meetings due to the smaller sizes of the groups. Officials said NAMI works to ensure mental illness is a priority in new laws by collaborating with policymakers.

The meetings are held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at the Rowan County Library. More information can be found at 859-474-5916 or nami.org.