New organization in the area raising awareness about mental health

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – There is strength in numbers, and a new organization in North Mississippi is starting to bring out the numbers.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, Northeast Mississippi Chapter held its Walk for Mental Health Awareness, Hope, and Support at the Columbus Riverwalk Thursday evening.

NAMI Strives to connect individuals living with mental health issues witht he resources available to them in their communities. And the organization works to bring communities together to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and raise awareness.

The walk also featured information booths about resources available in the the Norheast Mississippi Chapter’s coverage area, and ways that individuals and organizations can get involved in NAMI’s mission.

For many, like NAMI member Krashaun Hendrix, just finding out they are not alone is a big change.

“It’s a blessing to have an organization here to render and offer support for families and even individuals who suffer with mental illness. Like I said in my speech, you know being a parent of two adult sons is difficult, but knowing I have a support system, someone I can call, someone that cam help me with resources available: counselors, treatment centers, and what not, so I’m thankful for NAMI.”

The Northeast Mississippi Chapter is relatively new, but is already planning more events going into 2027.