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NAMI Keystone PA’s Blog features personal stories, press releases, news articles, and other content that provides information, insight, personal experiences, and more.

Staff Blog: Trauma Response Team Training

Staff Blog: Trauma Response Team Training

On Jan. 30, 2025, I graduated from the Neighborhood Resilience Project (NRP) Trauma Response Team training. It is both an honor and a privilege to be able to serve the community in this capacity. The NRP Trauma Response Team is deployed to fatal gunshot incidents throughout Allegheny County...

Whittling the Chip on my Shoulder

Whittling the Chip on my Shoulder

I often reflect back on my initial diagnosis, relapse and how far I've come beating a path to recovery. We all know the stigma associated with mental health. Being a man, particularly in Marine Corps during my initial diagnosis, carries a little extra weight. I'm the oldest son, biggest brother...

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I am simply a man who struggles with depression, simple as that. Wow.

I am simply a man who struggles with depression, simple as that. Wow.

An oversimplification of my journey through mental health would be to say that every defining moment has been shaped by some form of avoidance or denial. When I was very young my parents got divorced, my mother sent me to a children's counselor and I, as an eloquent 7 year old, insisted...

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NAMI's Statement on Recent Racist Incidents

NAMI's Statement on Recent Racist Incidents

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) today released the following statement from CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., regarding recent racist incidents across the country and their impact on mental health: "The effect of racism and racial trauma on mental health is real and cannot be ignored...

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Coronavirus on Smart Talk Thursday: Mental health providers face challenge treating from a distance and Pa to see some restrictions eased

Coronavirus on Smart Talk Thursday: Mental health providers face challenge treating from a distance and Pa to see some restrictions eased

"We're all in this together." That is a sentiment that we've heard often during the last two months as the coronavirus has changed our ways of life significantly. Staying at home, not being able to visit or even communicate with others, losing jobs, worrying about our finances...

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Public Statement of Support for Statewide Initiative 'Reach Out PA: Your Mental Health Matters'

Public Statement of Support for Statewide Initiative 'Reach Out PA: Your Mental Health Matters'

On Thursday, Jan. 2, Governor Tom Wolf announced a focused multi-agency effort and anti-stigma campaign, 'Reach Out PA: Your Mental Health Matters,' aimed at expanding resources and the state's comprehensive support of mental health and related health care priorities in Pennsylvania. The governor...

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NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania CEO Christine Michaels appeared on "Issues on the Point" on 22 the Point on WPNT to Discuss NAMIWalks, CEOs Against Stigma, and More

NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania CEO Christine Michaels appeared on "Issues on the Point" on 22 the Point on WPNT to Discuss NAMIWalks, CEOs Against Stigma, and More

In 2016, the National Alliance on Mental Illness selected Southwestern Pennsylvania to become the state's official organization. NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania advances the national organization's mission to raise awareness about mental health while providing support, education and advocacy for...

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PennLive Patriot-News: Psychiatrist shortage causing suffering, risk of jail and suicide in central Pa.

PennLive Patriot-News: Psychiatrist shortage causing suffering, risk of jail and suicide in central Pa.

Depression is on the rise. So is suicide, particularly among young people and military veterans. And Pennsylvania recently concluded that addressing mental health needs is the best defense against school shootings...

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NAMI Issues Statement Regarding President Trumps Comments on Re-Institutionalizing People with Mental Illness

NAMI Issues Statement Regarding President Trumps Comments on Re-Institutionalizing People with Mental Illness

Yesterday, President Trump revisited his statements about reopening mental "institutions" and perpetuated false stereotypes. Two weeks ago, the president also called people with mental illness "monsters." In response, National Alliance on Mental Illness Acting CEO Angela Kimball released...

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NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania and State Affiliates Honored with National Award Honor Recognizes Leadership and Dedication to Mission

NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania and State Affiliates Honored with National Award Honor Recognizes Leadership and Dedication to Mission

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is honoring its state organization in Pennsylvania, NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania, and its 31 affiliates with the "Outstanding NAMI Member Award." The award is the highest honor given to members in recognition of their longstanding, effective work...

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