Published: October 01, 2009 12:00 am      

NAMI strives to remove stigma from mental illness

JOHNSTOWN — It’s estimated that some form of mental illness affects one in five American families.

To help people understand that those suffering from it are not terrible people, the Cambria County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness will hold its annual awareness week Sunday through Oct. 9.

A main theme focuses on post-traumatic stress disorder and the impact it has on military men and women when they return home from war.

“We’re offering an eclectic mix of educational and entertaining events that will hopefully attract a large and diverse group of people,” NAMI Executive Director Wendy Stewart said. “Through these different events, we hope to educate people about mental illness so that it’s no longer a dirty word.

“People aren’t ashamed if they or a family member is diagnosed with heart disease or cancer, so why should they be ashamed of mental illness?” she said. “This is another medical condition, and those suffering from it need compassion and treatment.”

A candlelight ceremony will launch the observance Sunday in the courtyard of the Heritage Discovery Center in Johnstown.

The annual banquet on Monday will feature the Pittsburgh Playback Theatre.

“They perform personal stories and encourage audience participation,” Stewart said.

On Tuesday, a documentary film by “Sopranos” star Joe Pantoliano will be shown at the Johnstown Flood Museum.

“Joe (Pantoliano) suffers from depression and formed an organization with other actors to discuss mental illness so it wouldn’t be so hush-hush,” Stewart said.

A seminar Wednesday at the Holiday Inn-Downtown in Johnstown will address mental health treatment laws.

The week will conclude Oct. 9 with a conference on the impact of PTSD at the Living/Learning Center on the Pitt-Johnstown campus.



Opportunities to learn

National Alliance on Mental Illness, Cambria County, will observe Mental Illness Awareness Week from Sunday through Oct. 9:

Sunday: 6 p.m., candlelight ceremony, “Coming Home ... Are We Ready?” at the Heritage Discovery Center courtyard in Johnstown.

Monday: 6 p.m., annual banquet at Holiday Inn-Downtown in Johnstown; $30.

Tuesday: 6 p.m., film, “No Kidding, Me Too!” at the Johnstown Flood Museum.

Wednesday: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., seminar, “Effectively Implementing Assisted Outpatient Treatment: The 2009 Findings” at the Holiday Inn.

Oct. 9: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., conference, “Back Home, Still at War: Soldiers, Families, Communities and Impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder” at the Living/Learning Center on the Pitt-Johnstown campus. Costs vary.

All events are open to the public and free unless otherwise indicated. For more information, call NAMI at 535-3166.