NAMI Marion County E-Newsletter
Volume 1 Issue 2
March, 2018
(352) 368-2405
Post Office Box 5753
Ocala, FL 34478-5753
NAMI is deeply saddened by the tragic school shooting that occurred yesterday in Parkland, Florida.  These tragedies impact our communities–our parents, our children, our school professionals, our first responders—the mental health of our whole country. The details are still unfolding and there are still unanswered questions, but what we do know is that there were warning signs and that the shooter had received mental health treatment.  If you would like to read NAMI's complete statement on this issue, please visit http://namiocala.org/advocacy/
What can you do to help? Become a NAMI member!
Advocacy for mental health is one of the primary missions of NAMI. You can help. The more members we have, the more clout we have, and the more our legislators will listen. There is strength in numbers . If you are already a NAMI member, thank you. If you have allowed your membership to lapse, or have never been a member, please join. You can join online by going to www.namiocala.org and click on JOIN NOW. Individual membership is $40 and you can get a household membership for $60. Arrangements may be available for financial hardship in paying NAMI dues. Call us at (352) 368-2405 or send an e-mail to [email protected] for more information.
NAMI SUPPORT GROUPS
The Connection Recovery Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for adults living with mental illness. It meets at First United Methodist Church on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. in the Old Fellowship Hall on the northwest side of the campus (downstairs). The NAMI Family Support Group meet every first and third Tuesday of the month at First United Methodist Church of Ocala, Room #31, 1126 E. Silver Springs Blvd, at 7:00 p.m. in Building G. There is another NAMI Family Recovery Support Group in Lady Lake. They meet on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in St. Timothy's RC Church Hall, Room #7 , 1351 Paige Place. These meetings are confidential and offer support to family members and friends of loved ones living with various mental illnesses. Registration is not necessary for support groups. The NAMI Family-to-Family Class (caregiver education) will also be starting again soon. Registration is needed for the Family-to-Family Class. For more information, call us at (352) 368-2405, go to www.namiocala.org or e-mail to [email protected]
VISIT THE NEW NAMI MARION COUNTY FACEBOOK PAGE AND "LIKE" US V

We will keep you up-to-date on services, education and support groups. We will also keep you posted on our efforts to remove the stigma from mental illness and advocacy efforts in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.
NAMI WAS AT THE FAITH & WELLNESS CONFERENCE ON FEBRUARY 3rd

City of Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn stopped by the NAMI booth. If you belong to any clubs or groups having events, please let us know and we will take the opportunity to tell people about NAMI. We also have an active Speakers' Bureau if your club or group is looking for a speaker. Call us at (352) 368-2405 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

NAMI 2018 NATIONAL CONVENTION
The NAMI National Convention connects people affected by mental illness who are looking for resources, research and support. Our collective voice spreads hope that recovery is possible and families can be whole again. Join us in the Big Easy - New Orleans - June 27-30, 2018.

NAMI Marion County.....You are not alone