NAMI Rome to host May BASH

The event on May 22 aims to spread a message that recovering from mental illness is possible.

NAMI Rome will hold its May BASH — Barbecue Awards Social Happening — on May 22 to recognize mental health awareness month, while also providing support and resources to individuals with a mental illness or those with a family member who has been diagnosed with one.

The overall purpose of the event is “to let them know that they’re not alone,” according to Bonnie Moore, the president of the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

“During mental health awareness month we wanted to bring the community together to encourage understanding, promote advocacy and celebrate the recent accomplishments of NAMI Rome,” Moore said in a news release.

The event will be held at Rome’s First United Methodist Church, starting at 6 p.m. It is free, but Moore said reservations are required and can be made by calling 706-5065010 or by emailing namiromega@gmail.com.

Bill Carruthers, who is on the NAMI Georgia board of directors and a member of NAMI Savannah, will be the featured speaker and will share the story of his recovery from mental illness. Moore said Carruthers message to others with mental illness is, “If I can do this, you can too.”

There will also be a presentation of state-level awards, which includes honoring state Rep. Katie Dempsey, R-Rome, as NAMI Georgia Legislator of the Year. The Advocacy Award will go to NAMI Rome and Marta Turner, a family support group facilitator for the local NAMI chapter, will be given the Family Support Group Award. Also, Moore will accept an award for raising the most money out of all NAMI Georgia affiliates from the nonprofit’s mental health walk last fall.

Peach State Health Plan is sponsoring the event and providing the food, Moore said, and there will also be door prizes.

Moore believes the event is another way to “erase the stigma” of mental illness.