NAMI’s Laura Yanez and Cherylyn Rahr-Wood stand next to paintings completed by some of their Carson City group session participants. (Photo: Faith Evans/Nevada Appeal)
Often times dealing with a mental illness, especially during a worldwide pandemic where masks and social distancing are encouraged, can feel isolating and unsupportive.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Western Nevada offers education, treatment and support to anyone concerned about mental illness, whether it’s for themselves or a loved one.
“Going back to being isolated, wearing masks, social distancing, it’s important to know that support is there and available,” said NAMI Western Nevada Executive Director Laura Yanez.
Yanez said since the coronavirus outbreak, NAMI Western Nevada has seen a significant increase in mental health cases and she believes having the services the organization offers could be beneficial to those who need it.
NAMI Western Nevada’s mission is to advocate for a life of quality and dignity and to end discrimination and stigma for all those persons affected by these illnesses through education, resources and emotional support to families and those affected by mental illness.
The nonprofit organization has served rural Nevada since 2014 and has expanded since to meet needs in other communities including Carson City, Douglas County and Elko offering a variety of different programs.
“We really strive to meet people where they are at and to offer a variety of different programs and meet the variety of different mental illnesses in people’s lives,” said Yanez.
NAMI Western Nevada offers all services and support groups at no cost and provides all materials and resources to the community using the 12 principals of support and creative outlets such as creative writing and art.
NAMI Western Nevada is located at 3094 Research Way #61 in Carson City. For information visit namiwesternnevada.org
Nevada 24/7 Crisis Hotline 775-784-8090
NAMI Western Nevada Warmline 775-241-2412 is a non-crisis phone service where you can call or text to speak one-on-one with a NAMI WNV Cares operator Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-10 p.m. and 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
