The National Alliance on Mental Illness is reaching out to UC Davis students, faculty and staff to offer an opportunity to be engaged in building a mental health system that works for everyone. NAMI Yolo County and NAMI California are excited to partner with the UC Davis Office of Student Health and Counseling and the UC Davis Department of Police to host a Regional Advocacy Meeting Friday, November 8, 2019 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.  A light breakfast and lunch will be provided to attendees.

“We are pleased to partner with NAMI California and NAMI Yolo County to bring individuals together to activate positive change for those impacted by mental health. Each and every one of us can make a difference and together we will kick off one of many important conversations at UC Davis.” Says Emilia Aguirre, Mental Health and Well Being Promotion Specialist for the Office of Student Health and Counseling.

This meeting will feature Yolo County’s Director of Behavioral Health, Karen Larsen to present an overview of Yolo County’s system of care. Participants in the meeting will work alongside providers, people living with mental health conditions, community stakeholders and regional NAMI leaders to share ideas and propose meaningful steps forward in addressing the obstacles faced throughout our communities.

“As we work to shift the paradigm that causes young people to wait an average of 10 years before they receive support for mental health issues, it’s so important that we engage young people in that conversation. We know that those kinds of delays in care have severe impacts on both the individuals experiencing mental health needs as well as the whole system of care. That’s why we’re so excited at this opportunity to bring students together to work alongside stakeholders from throughout the region. We hope that UC Davis students will play a dynamic role in a conversation that is vital to the overall health and well-being of our communities.” Says NAMI Yolo’s Program Director, Maggie Fry.

At the meeting community stakeholders will collaborate to build ideas around a variety of key mental health priorities. The work accomplished during this meeting will be used to educate decision makers about the scope of needs faced across the region. “This is a wonderful opportunity to continue the conversation on mental health.  It is a perfect setting to engage and collaborate on this most important issue,” says UC Davis Chief of Police and NAMI California Board Member, Joe Farrow.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the largest grassroots organization in the US dedicated to improving the lives of people living with mental health conditions. NAMI regional affiliates work alongside their state affiliate representatives to offer outreach, education and support programs to people affected by mental illness. A light breakfast and lunch will be offered at the event. To be a part of this opportunity, please register online at https://www.namicaadvocacy.org/yolo. Space is limited so reserve your seat today.