Abstract

The author describes the impact of serious mental illness on her family and loved ones, as well as the support and help that the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) has provided. She stresses the importance of promoting understanding that those with mental illnesses have physical illnesses of the brain. She then describes her involvement as a member of one of Ohio's County Mental Health Boards and their work to ensure a smooth transition to a more community-based system of care.

© 1999 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.