In the wake of COVID-19, mental health conditions are on the rise: one in three people say the pandemic has left them feeling anxious or depressed, and there’s been sharp increase in suicidal ideation; with 24% of people ages 18-24 considering suicide. In a typical year, 1 in 5 college students are impacted by mental health conditions, and we all know this year has been anything but typical.

It’s more important than ever to bring awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health. NAMI Metro Baltimore is proud to pivot our I Will Listen Campaign to a virtual model, reaching all fourteen college and university partners across Baltimore City and County.

What is I Will Listen?

I Will Listen is a mental health awareness campaign that takes place October 4-10, Mental Illness Awareness Week. The campaign features personal stories, workshops, music, trivia, support groups and guided conversations where participants will learn more about mental health, what stigma is and how to overcome it.

At each event, students will receive information about mental health resources on campus and in the community. The overall goal of the I Will Listen Campaign is to help students reach out for mental health support when they need it.

I Will Listen was created by NAMI New York City in 2013 as a campaign encouraging listening with an open mind, and without judgement, at school, in the workplace, and in the community. NAMI Metro Baltimore activated the campaign locally in 2016. In 2019, the campaign reached more than 3,100 students, faculty, and staff on 12 college campuses.

How can you help? Start by listening.

Listening can be one of the most powerful ways to support someone facing mental health challenges. Take the pledge and learn more at http://iwilllisten.namibaltimore.org/events/. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates throughout the campaign.

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On Tuesday, September 29^th, guests joined NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore for our first ever virtual Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony. We celebrated the many ways we continued to reach our community together and unveiled our 2021-2023 Strategic Plan.

We envision a world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares. With that vision in mind, our Strategic Plan identifies three key focus areas:

• Engage More People,
• Elevate Our Identity and Influence and
• Expand Our Capacity to Serve

To learn more about our mission to educate and support and build our community, read the full 2021-2023 Strategic Plan by clicking the button below.

The Annual Meeting featured a panel discussion exploring the future of mental health care, and ways that NAMI members can advocate for improved services. Our esteemed panelists included: 

• Dr. Letitia Dzirasa, Baltimore City Health Commissioner
• Crista Taylor, President/CEO, Behavioral Health System Baltimore
• Dr. Gregory Branch, Baltimore County Health Officer

We look forward to an impactful year ahead and hope you will consider joining us by volunteering, becoming a partner on a training or anti-stigma initiative, or supporting us with a donation. There is still much work to be done. We are excited to build on this momentum—reaching our potential, together.  

Couldn’t make it on Tuesday? No problem! Click the button below for the full video.

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NAMI Metro Baltimore’s annual conference for faith community leaders was a 3-part webinar series to help educate and support faith leaders. Participants learned new strategies and gained tools to help support the mental well-being of their congregations.

This educational program has passed, however you can view recordings of the Webinars of your interest by clicking the links below. Be sure to click the play button on the bottom of the screen in the new window.

Mental Health Stigma | July 22nd

A discussion led by Rev. Bryce A. Jones will define social and perceived mental health stigma and the factors that cause stigma. Participants will learn how to help reduce mental health stigma in their congregations.

About the Presenter: Rev. Bryce A. Jones graduated from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University with a Masters of Divinity. Ordained in the Gospel ministry at New Friendship Baptist Church in Baltimore, Rev. Jones currently serves as the Minister of Urban Affairs and Political and Community Outreach.

Vicarious Trauma |July 29th

Rev. Bryce A. Jones joins us again to discuss the emotional, mental and physical toll that is often imposed on faith leaders. Participants will learn how to identify and define vicarious trauma, and more importantly how to strengthen themselves and their organization against compassion fatigue and burnout.

You can watch a recording of the Webinar by clicking here!

Congregational Depression Assistance Program |August 5th

Dr. W. Dan Hale of Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center will lead a discussion to inform participants of a congregational mental health training program and how faith organizations can get involved.

About the Presenter: Dr. W. Dan Hale is a clinical psychologist who serves as special advisor to the President of Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and director of the hospital’s Healthy Community Partnership. He is the coauthor of Healing Bodies and Souls: A Practical Guide for Congregations.

You can watch a recording of the Webinar by clicking here!

This program has been sponsored by

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On Tuesday April 21, more than 300 participants joined Baltimore for the first-ever virtual event, Community Conversations: Navigating Emotional Wellness During Uncertain Times. This event was presented in partnership with  NAMI Metro Baltimore and  Sheppard Pratt.  Experts Dr. Todd Peters and Dr. Brad Piergrossi shared how to take care of yourself and others along with the best means of coping with anxiety, depression, and isolation. You can view the full recorded discussion below.

Lucinda Levine of Inkquiry Visuals illustrated our conversation and turned it into a work of art.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about NAMI Metro Baltimore’s online support group meetings being offered during the COVID-19 emergency.

For more information or referrals to local resources, please contact the NAMI Metro Baltimore HelpLine at (410) 435-2600.

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Sheppard Pratt is here to serve as a mental health resource for you and your family. Learn about telehealth and walk-in options that are now available:

Telehealth and Teletherapy

Sheppard Pratt is now offering telehealth, teletherapy, and medication management services through telehealth. Please contact the outpatient center nearest you to learn more and see if you qualify. Click here to see locations and learn more.

Sheppard Pratt’s Virtual Crisis Walk-In Clinic is now open. Through this program, we offer psychiatric triage and referrals to our other virtual and in-person care options through a secure, online platform. Click here to learn more and make an appointment.

Walk-In Options

Crisis Walk-In Clinic: Our Crisis Walk-In Clinic remains open for immediate psychiatric triage – please exercise this option rather than going to an emergency room when possible. Learn more here.

• Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturdays, 1 – 5 p.m.

Outpatient Behavioral Health Centers: Some of our outpatient behavioral health centers are now offering walk-in appointments. Click here to find a location near you.

For those considering in-person care: if you have a fever, coughing, shortness of breath, or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, please call your primary care provider. If you feel sick and it is an emergency, please call 911.

To learn more, contact info@sheppardpratt.org.

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For guided meditations from Dr. Brad Piergrossi that you can do from home, visit here.

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Virtual NAMIWalks Maryland Event: Saturday, May 30th

This year, NAMIWalks Maryland is going virtual event. While it may look and feel a bit different this year, at its core NAMIWalks is so much more than one day or one event. It is a way to promote awareness of mental health, to raise critically important funds to support NAMI’s high-quality programs, and to build a closer and stronger community.

Join NAMI supporters from across the country as we come together in a way that is safe and comfortable.

Stay tuned for updates on virtual walk activities leading up to an online celebration on May 30th.

What is a “5K Your Way”?

Participating in a virtual NAMIWalks means just what it sounds like: virtually anything goes. You can walk around your neighborhood, maintaining safe social distancing practices. Have a treadmill at home? That works too! You can get creative with your NAMIWalks.

However you choose to “5K Your Way,” be sure to share with others why mental health is important to you, your family, and the Baltimore community.

Start or Join a Team

Ready to take the first step? Start your team today, or join an existing team with friends, family, or colleagues. Register at namiwalks.org/maryland

Please be sure to designate that you are walking in support of the Metro Baltimore affiliate during registration. This ensures that funds raised by your team will provide free mental health education, support, and advocacy programs right here in Baltimore.

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