The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) launched on PGCC’s campus in fall 2024 to join more than 600 affiliates in the organization’s network. NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and an opportunity to connect with this cause. According to NAMI, one in five U.S. Americans experience mental illness. NAMI provides advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
On PGCC’s campus, the organization will provide students with peer support, mentoring, events, and resources.
Mary Lawal, president of the PGCC NAMI chapter, felt that student mental health is critical for advocating and building a campus presence that combats the stigma around the topic. Lawal herself has found hope and support for her mental health through being a part of the NAMI network. She wants students to know they do not have to navigate school and their mental health journey alone.
From left to right (above): Tanika Smith, Mary Lawal, Derron Garvey, Dr. Danielle Bryant, and Florence Nelson during a fall 2024 panel discussion on mental health held at PGCC.
“If I had a professional to talk to, I wouldn’t have to dump on a fellow student about what I was going through,” Lawal said. “That should be the job of a professional and not someone my age. I think this is the reason why I am so passionate about student mental health.”
To volunteer or connect with PGCC’s NAMI chapter, send an email to NAMIoncampuspgcc@gmail.com.