NAMI Orange County Joins with Saddleback Church and Catholic Diocese to Bring Together Experts for Mental Health Education--Event Has National Significance

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Mar 27, 2014, 11:30 ET

SANTA ANA, Calif., March 27, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NAMI Orange County, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has joined with the Saddleback Church and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange to co-sponsor a "Gathering on Mental Health and the Church" on Friday, March 28.

The event is aimed at encouraging individuals living with mental illness, educating family members and equipping church leaders to provide effective, compassionate ministry to those who confront mental illness.

"Treating mental illness requires are holistic approach," said NAMI Orange County president Steve Pittman, who will be a keynote speaker along with Pastor Rick Warren and Kay Warren of the Saddleback Church and Bishop Kevin Vann of the Catholic Diocese of Orange.

"The Gathering is nationally significant as a model for outreach that unifies spiritual inspiration with mental health needs," said NAMI national executive director Mary Giliberti.

NAMI maintains a national FaithNet program that works with religious leaders and communities of different denominations. In addition, within the Catholic Church, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) Council on Mental Illness provides training & resources that implement faith-based education to all religious leaders and communities.

NAMI Orange County provides education and support to individuals and families affected by mental illness in the local community.

All education and support programs are offered free of charge.
In 2012-13, more than 500 local NAMI volunteers donated over 10,000 hours of service.
More than 71,000 people visited the NAMI Orange County website: www.namioc.org
More than 18,000 people called NAMI Orange County's information "Warm Line" at 1-877-910-9276.
Almost 8,000 people asked NAMI Orange County for information or help at local community events.

"The need for help has been growing," Pitman said. "We hope the Gathering will increase understanding of the nature of mental illness and the knowledge that NAMI is here to help."

About NAMI Orange County

The mission of NAMI Orange County is to provide emotional support, education and resources for families and those affected by mental illness. In collaboration with the entire community, NAMI Orange County advocates for a life of quality and dignity, without discrimination, for all those persons affected by mental illness.

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SOURCE National Alliance on Mental Illness