HealthyU and National Alliance on Mental Illnesslaunch support groups |
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PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – The City of Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation HealthyU program and The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Palm Beach County have established a new partnership to hold free weekly NAMI Connection Support Groups. The weekly sessions are held Tuesdays from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Port St. Lucie Community Center, 2195 SE Airoso Blvd., and are facilitated by certified, licensed and credentialed NAMI professionals. Support groups are for anyone with family members experiencing mental health illness or those diagnosed with mental illness.
The sessions provide a nonjudgmental environment where attendees can discuss concerns, learn about local resources and benefit from one another’s personal experiences. The weekly support group resulted from the City of Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation’s 2021 Community Input Survey, where a majority of respondents said they would like to see support groups offered for the community. Additionally, throughout monthly sessions of HealthyU: A Series of Conversations, community members requested support groups be provided at the Community Center.“Support groups offer an opportunity for people to share emotions, coping strategies and help reduce the stigma on mental health. Everyone has a story, and through HealthyU’s conversations, we’re here to say that you are not alone,” said Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Patricia Roberts. “We’re honored to offer the Community Center for NAMI to help facilitate their valuable sessions in a safe space.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows about 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their life. Support groups provide a chance for participants to discuss mental health issues like depression, anxiety, bereavement or addiction. The weekly sessions also connect others who are likely to have a common purpose while maintaining a sense of hope.“Connection support groups were instrumental in my recovery process and have allowed me the opportunity to build a life I once only dreamed of. It is my pleasure to offer that same hope to others,” by Connection Support Group Facilitator, Kimberly Comer, NAMI.
Support groups are limited to a maximum of 15 attendees. For more information on how to join the weekly support groups and other programming, visit www.PSLParks.com/HealthyUor contact Kimberly Comer at kimberlyc64@att.net or 630-677-3108.
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