NAMI Howard County Partnership Provides Mental Health Awareness and Supports

November 27th, 2019

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) has partnered with NAMI Howard County to provide education and support for students and families affected by mental health conditions. The partnership was formalized with an official partnership signing on Tuesday, November 19 at the Sheraton Columbia Waterside Restaurant in Columbia, Maryland.

Under the terms of the agreement, NAMI will conduct mental health awareness presentations for 9th grade students and will provide information to HCPSS staff about NAMI educational programs for children affected by mental illness and their families. NAMI programs address recovering and maintaining wellness, understanding severe mental illnesses, and insights for parents of children living with behavioral and emotional challenges.

NAMI will also serve as a member of HCPSS advisory groups addressing mental health services and supports, and will assist HCPSS in its outreach efforts regarding mental health awareness and suicide prevention initiatives.

Howard County Board of Education Chair Mavis Ellis, Board Member Vicky Cutroneo, HCPSS Executive Director of Community, Parent and School Outreach James LeMon and Executive Director of Program Innovation and Student Well-Being Caroline Walker joined NAMI Howard County Board of Directors Member Ashlyn McNeely, NAMI Howard County Executive Director Denise Giuliano, Family and Consumer Program Manager Yulanda Blackston and Office Administrator Susanna Taylor to sign the formal agreement at the November 19 event.

The mission of NAMI Howard County is to improve the lives of individuals with mental illness and their families through education, advocacy and support, and to increase awareness of mental illness throughout the community.

The Howard County Public School System’s Partnerships Office has united schools with more than 1,000 businesses and community organizations to enhance the educational experience of Howard County students. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.