Insight Matters
Fall, 2004

OPA forges a stronger link with NAMI Ohio

OPA member, Joseph Locala, MD, was elected to a three-year term on the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Ohio Board of Trustees. NAMI Ohio's stated mission is to "improve the quality of life, ensure dignity and respect for persons with serious mental illness, and to support their families." The Board of Trustees consists of twenty-seven members with representation from each of four regions throughout the state. The Board sets policy for the organization, monitors the budget and finances, and establishes future plans for NAMI Ohio programs and advocacy.

The presence of a psychiatrist on the Board will most certainly facilitate enhanced educational opportunities for patients and families. Furthermore, we anticipate that having a psychiatrist on the NAMI Board will facilitate an interchange of ideas and unification of the two organizations, which is critical to the success of ongoing advocacy. Dr. Locala actively campaigned for the NAMI Ohio board position, with the expectation that his service will forge stronger links between NAMI and the OPA.

OPA members are strongly encouraged to contact their local NAMI affiliates to volunteer their expertise in serving on the board, speaking at board meetings and/or serving as guest speakers for NAMI Family-to-Family and Hand-to-Hand educational programs. Visit the NAMI Ohio website to learn more about NAMI Ohio and its affiliates at www.namiohio.org.

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