NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr. on racist incidents and mental health

In the wake of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr. issued the following statement:

Daniel Gillison

“The effect of racism and racial trauma on mental health is real and cannot be ignored. The disparity in access to mental health care in communities of color cannot be ignored. The inequality and lack of cultural competency in mental health treatment cannot be ignored.

“Our nation’s African American community is going through an extremely painful experience, pain that has been inflicted upon this community repeatedly throughout history and is magnified by mass media and repeated deaths. We stand with all the families, friends and communities who have lost loved ones senselessly due to racism. And, with more than 100,000 lives lost to the coronavirus pandemic — disproportionately from minority communities — these recent deaths add gasoline to the fire of injustice.

“While there is much we need to do to address racism in our country, we must not forget the importance of mental health as we do so. Racism is a public health crisis.

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"Racism is a public health crisis."

“As the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, it is our responsibility to serve all. While as an organization we are still early in our intentional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion journey and have much to do, we have renewed our commitment to our values. We continue to strive to deliver help and hope to all who need it.
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“NAMI stands in solidarity with everyone impacted across the country. You are not alone.”

In the Pikes Peak region, we encourage anyone dealing with mental wellness challenges related to the anger and upheaval of this moment to contact our office at 719.473.8477. Beyond NAMI's own programmatic offerings, we can provide referrals to culturally competent mental health professionals in the area. As Dan said above, you are not alone.