Thursday at Governor's Mansion: Award-winning mental health advocate to bring message of hope to NAMI Gala
Mental illness, substance abuse, and related tragedies such as suicide affect one in five people in the United States today according to research reported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Fortunately, more and more service providers and community partners are working together to respond to those in crisis and in need of treatment. However, the families of the mentally ill are often those left struggling on the sidelines, which is where NAMI steps in to provide education, advocacy, and support.,
In recognition of October as Mental Health Awareness Month and in celebration of a robust year of service, the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Western Nevada Affiliate is hosting Jason DeShaw, a national award-winning mental health speaker and accomplished country singer as the keynote presenter at Unmasked: NAMI Western Nevada’s Second Annual Gala, coming Thursday, Oct. 13 to the Governor’s Mansion in Carson City. Honorees at the event include Governor Brian and First Lady Kathleen Sandoval, and Bekah Bock, Carson City Forensic Program Manager.
DeShaw has toured across North America and Europe singing original country music. In 2010, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and alcoholism. Since then he has advocated for mental health and addiction recovery as both a speaker and a singer. His presentation combines the universal language of music with a powerful message of hope.
In 2014 in Washington, D.C., DeShaw received the Champions Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recognizing an individual with a mental illness who reduces stigma by “exhibiting courage, leadership and service on behalf of all people living with mental illness.”
Mental illness and addiction are an epidemic across the nation. Many people face their struggles alone, afraid to speak to others about their experiences. Open communication can have a positive effect on reducing the stigma and encouraging individuals who are not in good mental health to seek help.
For information on NAMI Western Nevada and its October 13 gala, visit www.namiwesternnevada.org.
Video clip of Jason DeShaw and his story can be found at https://vimeo.com/131810745.
Go here to register.
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