In support of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northern Lakes chapter is supporting an anti-stigma campaign in the community. NAMI Northern Lakes is an advocacy and support group that serves Oneida, Vilas and Forest counties.

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week is May 5-11. Treatment of children’s mental health disorders can help to prevent school drop-out, substance abuse, juvenile justice involvement and homelessness.

NAMI Northern Lakes meets every fourth Tuesday of the month, usually held at the community meeting room of the Rhinelander Goodwill Store, from 7 to 9 p.m. On May 28, the guest speaker will be NAMI co-founder Bev Young of Madison and Boulder Junction. Bev will share her story and experiences in advocating for individuals and families dealing with mental illness. The meeting will be held at First United Methodist Church on Arbutus Street in Rhinelander. NAMI also offers a support group the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m.

For more information on local initiatives related to mental health, contact NAMI Northern Lakes at (715) 362-0423 or (715) 272-1294, or the Oneida County Mental Health Inter-Agency Council at (715) 369-6118.