The Northwoods Tri-County Mental Health COPE Coalition has donated $500 to NAMI Northern Lakes, the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, to aid in providing vital mental health services and programs in the community.
The COPE Coalition, a group of dedicated members and community partners, works year-round to support individuals impacted by mental health issues and suicide. Their efforts focus on education, intervention, and prevention. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), in February 2021, 36.4% of Wisconsin adults reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, with 18.6% unable to access needed mental health care.
NAMI Northern Lakes plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by offering free in-person and virtual services to individuals affected by mental illness. The organization provides peer and family support groups, a peer-run drop-in center in Rhinelander, as well as educational classes. Additionally, NAMI Northern Lakes conducts community presentations, offers training, and advocates for policies that improve the lives of people with mental health conditions at local, state, and national levels.
Donations like the one from the COPE Coalition help fund NAMI Northern Lakes’ wide range of programs. These contributions enable the organization to train volunteers with lived experience, offer evidence-based programs, and raise awareness to combat the stigma surrounding mental illness while providing hope to those in need.
