On behalf of the NAMI Board of Directors, I wish to support the efforts of the NAMI Family of Marion & Crawford Counties to launch the "Super Kid Informed Involved Parent" or SKIIP Program.
NAMI (The National Alliance) is a grassroots organization with affiliates in fifty states, Washington D. C., Canada and Puerto Rico. NAMI Ohio was established by concerned family members in 1982 and has a current membership of over 10,000 families, persons with a brain disorder and professionals. NAMI's mission is to make a better tomorrow for people with brain disorders through support, advocacy, education and public policy initiatives. There are 60 local NAMI affiliates across the state of Ohio, which offer education classes and support groups to the community.
NAMI Ohio dealt primarily with adult mental health issues until 1999, when a Children's Division was formed. One of NAMI Ohio's signature programs is Hand-to-Hand which is a nine week course about children's mental health taught by and for the parents/guardians of kids diagnosed with brain disorders. The NAMI Family of Marion & Crawford Counties has certified Hand-to-Hand instructors as well as numerous advocates who work tirelessly to serve the families and children of the region.
The SKIIP Program will serve as an excellent resource to families, children, educators and providers of mental health services as it seeks to educate and empower the community so that children and families receive excellent services. The SKIIP Management and Advisory Teams have clearly defind the mission, goals and blueprint for the project. I commend these efforts to address the critical needs of children, families and educators.
The NAMI Family of Marion & Crawford Counties is a vital part of the mental health movement in Ohio. The organization fills a unique need for education, support and advocacy on behalf of young people who have a diagnosed brain disorder. NAMI Ohio fully supports the efforts of the affiliate to launch the SKIIP Program which will reach families, youth and educators in the region who need help.
Terry L. Russell
NAMI Ohio Executive Director
747 E. Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43205 |
