COFAMH (Coalition for the Advancement of Mental Health) | NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) | Voices of the Heart, Inc.
COFAMH was originally formed as the Stigma Action Committee. Its purpose was to diminish the stigma and fear surrounding mental illness through education. Its secondary purpose was to promote a mentally healthy community.
Findings published in 1999 by the U.S. Surgeon General followed a decade-long study of the brain and numerous public forums and national commissions. The Report pointed to a society which seriously impeded the delivery of mental health services because of stigma which pervaded all aspect of our society. This Report characterized the state of our nation’s mental health as one of “crisis” and the Surgeon General called for an increased educational effort on national, state and local levels. COFAMH was born out of this call to action.
The Coalition creates and/or facilitates educational projects which will help to minimize the stigma surrounding mental health issues and to maximize the community’s understanding and acceptance of people living with psychiatric disorders. Past projects included a public forum, various educational presentations and conferences, distribution of the lesson plans, “Breaking the Silence: Teaching the Next Generation About Mental Health”, Get Psyched newsletters for Teachers and Teens, and a Training Library for schools.
COFAMH IS OPEN TO ANYONE INTERESTED IN PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH
COFAMH is composed of individuals and representatives from various agencies serving people with mental illnesses. Agency involvement includes the Community Services Board of Warren and Washington counties, Glens Falls Hospital Behavioral Health, Head Start, Liberty House, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill- North Country Chapter, Warren-Washington Association for Mental Health – Support Services, and Voices of the Heart.
COFAMH meets the first Thursday of each month at the Office of Community Services, 230 Maple St., Glens Falls, NY 12801. For more information, call 792-7143.
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