Annual NAMI meeting highlights community activism

The National Alliance on Mentally Illness of Lorain County — also known as NAMI — hosted their annual meeting and awards ceremony at The Hotel at Oberlin, in downtown Oberlin.

This year’s theme, “Broken Crayons Can Still Color,” shined spotlights on community activists across Lorain County that have taken leadership roles with the purpose of advocating and spreading awareness about mental illness. Brave advocates like Josh Ruminski spoke about his experiences battling depression and how it impacted his life, yet with the proper treatment and support system in place was able to regain control of his life.

Since that time, Josh has started a business and is now focused on becoming a psychologist with aspirations of helping others with mental health illness.

Special awards were also given to: Lynn Behner (Volunteer of the Year), Bridget Novak (CIT Officer of the Year), Patricia Mccaslin (CIT Champion), and Carol Hartman (Inspiration Award)

Additionally, the night continued with Dr. Malcom Peel presenting an award to Robert and Lorraine Izold for their excellent work with families of those who have mental illness.

Before the night was over, ClearVista Health and Wellness wrapped up the evening with a

wonderful donation of over $1,700 in support of the partnership established with their respective organization.

Overall, it was a fantastic night that honored some of the great work that people right here in Lorain

County are doing to help eradicate the stigma of mental illness. According to Clare Cygan Young, Executive Director of NAMI Lorain County, “Some of the honorees are amazing community heroes with great stories to share, and we

are so thankful for the work they have done.”

For the latest news on NAMI Lorain County, visit http:// nami-lc.org/

SUBMITTED The National Alliance on Mentally Illness of Lorain County — also known as NAMI — hosted their annual meeting and awards ceremony at The Hotel at Oberlin, in downtown Oberlin.