Education

NAMI WC offers free educational programs and participates in a variety of health fairs, anti-stigma campaigns and mental illness awareness events. To request a speaker or the affiliate’s participation, contact Christine Smith, 828-505-7353, namiwnc@yahoo.com.

NEW CLASS OFFERING

NAMI Basics Education Program

NAMI Basics is the new signature education program for parents and
other caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental
illnesses.  The NAMI Basics course is taught by trained teachers who
are the parent or other caregivers of individuals who developed the
symptoms of mental illness prior to the age of 13 years.  The course
consists of six classes, each lasting for 2 ½ hours.  Classes may be
offered weekly for six consecutive weeks, or may be offered twice per
week for three weeks to accommodate the hectic schedules of parents.
All instruction materials are FREE to participants.  Class size is
limited.  The next class is scheduled for Spring 2012. For details, contact
NAMI Basics Coordinators Denise West, 828-777-1719 or Sharon Pitts 828-258-5359.

Other Educational Programs below:

NAMI FAMILY-to-FAMILY EDUCATION: An empowering 12-week course of up-to-date facts and support for families and friends of persons with a diagnosed mental illness. Trained family members teach the 2 1/2 hour classes. The course is free with all materials provided. Classes fill up quickly and the class size is limited. THE NEXT CLASS TO BE OFFERED IN ASHEVILLE BEGINS IN FEBRUARY, 2012. For information contact Florence Rowe, 299-9596, rohaus@charter.net.

IN OUR OWN VOICE: LIVING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS: People with mental illnesses tell their stories about learning to cope with the reality of their disorders while recovering and reclaiming productive lives in this brief, yet comprehensive, interactive presentation. IOOV includes video, personal testimony and discussion. IOOV PROGRAM COORDINATOR: Tracy Mixson, 232-0438, namiwc.voice@charter.net. Far West Counties: 524-1355; South West Counties: 884-6103.