One out of four people in Kansas have a mental illness, and the latest estimates show that 13 percent aren’t receiving treatment. A grassroots mental illness organization is trying to change that.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has 15 affiliates across Kansas, including in Wichita, Hutchinson, Newton and Topeka.
Andy Martin, NAMI Kansas communications and development director, says the organization provides educational programs, peer-to-peer counselors, and other support at no cost to people living with mental illness, and their families. One of the monthly offerings is called "Ask A Doctor."
"We provide an opportunity for individuals to talk to a licensed physician and ask questions about what they're experiencing, mental illness and what’s the latest research," Martin says. “It’s really one of the best things that people stay attached to, and why people like NAMI."
Martin says there’s an increased effort to stop the negative stigma related to mental illness and to make sure people realize they don't have to go it alone.
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Carla Eckels is interim news director and the host of Soulsations. Follow her on Twitter @Eckels.
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