GOVERNOR RISCH SIGNS MENTAL ILLNESS
AWARENESS PROCLAMATION

BOISE - Governor Jim Risch today signed a proclamation at the statehouse declaring October 6^th as Mental Illness Awareness Day (MIAW). Mental Illness Week is sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), MIAW was established in 1990 by Congress in recognition of NAMI’s efforts to raise mental illness awareness. 

“This is an affliction that many Idahoans suffer from,” Risch said. “It is important to recognize, and help those impacted by this disease get treatment.”

The last session of the Idaho legislature passed and funded 13 separate bills, each dealing with mental illness and substance abuse. One notable bill was one which allowed mental illness the same consideration as other afflictions in the state insurance program.

“These 13 pieces of legislation are the best kept secrets from the legislative session,” said Representative Kathie Garrett, Vice Chairman of the Health and Welfare Committee. “With early identification and treatment, recovery is possible.”

Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functioning. The good news about mental illness is that recovery is possible. Mental illnesses include such disorders as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), borderline personality disorder, and other severe and persistent mental illnesses.

Treatment works for most people living with mental illness, and an array of services and supports including access to appropriate medication and peer-support service are necessary to ensure recovery. The unintended consequence of untreated mental illness results in a negative financial and social impact on police, educators, emergency rooms, and businesses. Cost-effective, proven treatment and services exist that not only support recovery for people living with mental illness but also ensure the health of America’s communities and families.

Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or socioeconomic status. The World Health Organization has reported that four of the 10 leading causes of disability in the US and other developed countries are mental disorders. In addition, more than five percent of American adults contend with a serious mental illness. 

If you or someone you know suffers from this serious illness and needs help, please contact NAMI-Boise located at 4696 Overland Rd. Ste. 226 Boise, ID   83705, 376-4304.  NAMI-Boise is an all volunteer organization providing education to persons with mental illness, their families, as well as the community.

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