Nothing Will Stop NAMI Metro From Getting LOUDER!
Baltimore, MD—NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore’s flagship mental health awareness event, LOUDER, will be held on May 20th, at 5:30 p.m. at The Winslow. This annual award event and celebration serves as a rallying point, recognizing individuals and companies that are committed to ending the stigma around mental health in Baltimore through NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore’s #IWillListen Campaign.
Mental health experts, advocates, and allies from across the city will unite to honor this year’s recipients Tisha S. Edwards, President & CEO of Maryland Bankers Association, and Raymone Jackson, Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at T. Rowe Price. Edwards’ and Jacksons’ commitment to building a more inclusive and supportive workplace and community are truly remarkable, and the pair champion what it means to be advocates for the people’s and workers’ wellbeing, in Baltimore.
Additionally, the Community College of Baltimore County will be recognized with the #IWillListen Student Impact Award for its unwavering commitment to the #IWillListen campaign since 2020. Through innovative and engaging methods, such as campus walks, fitness events, and tailored workshops, CCBC’s coordinators across 3 campuses have worked hard to reach students, hosting creative events like gardening and poetry events where students could feel grounded and express their emotions openly. They additionally engaged #IWillListen Campus Ambassadors that truly cared about the campuses they worked with, they are so responsive and always looking for new ways to partner with NAMI Metro Baltimore to assist their students.
“We are deeply concerned about the proposed cuts to government-funded mental health services, including critical resources like Medicaid which covers 1 in 3 people with a mental illness,” said Kerry Graves, Executive Director of NAMI Metro Baltimore. “Mental health issues affect so many individuals and families, and resources like Medicaid provide essential access to care and support. These services are a lifeline for countless people, and we must protect and strengthen them, not reduce them. As a community, it’s vital that we come together, leverage the people and resources available, and work to fill any gaps in support wherever we can. We need a unified approach to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the care they need to heal and thrive.
Funds raised from the LOUDER event will fuel NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore’s ongoing efforts to enhance the lives of local individuals, families, and communities affected by mental health conditions. Donations will enable the organization to continue to expand vital support groups, educational programs, and mental health services offered at no cost to the Baltimore community.
From the start of her career as a social worker and beyond, Tisha Edwards has been a huge advocate for uplifting disadvantaged communities and providing necessary support for families in need. Having begun her career in Baltimore working in Baltimore City Public Schools as a founding principal of a newly created charter high school and then as Chief of Staff to the CEO, Edwards helped lead a period of transformational reforms at the district. Edwards’ impact on not only Baltimore’s youth, but also our overall public health is evident through the major relief initiatives she led when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, so that the city could ensure uninterrupted access to food and housing for families.
Raymone Jackson shared, “Growing up, mental health wasn’t widely discussed in the black community, particularly amongst Black men. Mental health is a key component in our overall wellness. While we’ve come a long way in combating stigma, shame, and other barriers to access mental healthcare, we owe it to ourselves and the people around us to continue this important work.”
For more information about NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore, the LOUDER event, or to purchase tickets, please visit our website.
About NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore: NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore, a NAMI affiliate serving Baltimore City and Baltimore County, is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with mental health conditions, their families, and communities through education, support, and advocacy. With a legacy of 40 years, NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore remains a beacon of hope and support for over 20,000 individuals and family members annually.