NAMI to bring program to Putnam County

FINDLAY — Aissa McVicker is passionate about NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). She has been involved with the Hancock County affiliate since 2013 and a facilitator for about four years. She also volunteers at NAMI Wood County. McVicker is now preparing to bring the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization to Putnam County. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is dedicated to providing education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families affected by mental illness. "My goal is to build strong connections with local organizations and businesses that are passionate about supporting mental health in our community," she said. "By working together, we can strengthen resources and create a more supportive environment for those in need." And while she's excited about the opportunity, McVicker also finds the prospect a bit daunting. "My anxiety has definitely been high about it," she laughed. NAMI Hancock County Executive Director Liana Gott said they doubted that McVicker would be a facilitator a few years ago. She has since received her peer support certification. "Not wanting to talk in front of people at all, this is a huge change," said Gott. McVicker credits the support she's received from the organization with helping her make the transformation. "So getting the right support is definitely huge," she said. Gott explained that NAMI Ohio initially reached out to the local affiliate. "Because Putnam County doesn't have NAMI, they asked if we would be able to take them on and kind of expand a little bit and include them," she said. "And then the longer we talked about it, the more we realized it should just be its own NAMI. I think Putnam County needs to have its own identity." McVicker, 34, wanted to help. She moved to Putnam County when she was in the fifth grade. She also lived in Findlay for about six years until moving back to Putnam County in August. "And so I was like, hey, I can be the heads-up person now," she said. They have been talking about the idea and doing initial planning for about a year. McVicker turned in the application to NAMI Ohio for a vote in February. "It should have no trouble passing because it was their idea," said Gott. Once Ohio approves the application, it will be sent on to the national organization. McVicker anticipates that the first offering in Putnam County will be for a Connection Support Group. This peer-led support group is for individuals who are living with mental health conditions. "I'll get the attendees to come, like the peers to come, and show them that we want to support them in any way we can," she said. She's also secured six people to serve on the board. Gott said Putnam County will later add the Family Support Group. This program, which is led by peers, is open to individuals with a loved one living with mental health conditions. The family support group is offered in Findlay for anyone who wants to make the drive. A virtual connection group is also offered via Zoom on the first and third Thursdays from 6:30-8 p.m., McVicker said. "We're trying to open that up to the Putnam County people as we're in the process of finding our place," she said. Gott said some Putnam County residents are making the drive to Findlay now to attend support groups. "And that's quite a hike," she said. "So it would nice to have something closer." McVicker wants to get a NAMI phone number so she can provide resources and support. She'll also be looking for a meeting place in Ottawa for support group meetings. Someday McVicker would like to see Putnam County have a center like the one in Findlay. The local affiliate rented space in the Camp Fire Northwest Ohio office at 305 W. Hardin St. from 2021 until they purchased the property last year. "That's kind of like my dream for NAMI," she said. "NAMI has helped me so much in my journey in mental health recovery." "I didn't think I had a purpose for a while," added McVicker. "Now since I've been with NAMI, it's like, oh, that's my purpose." For more information, contact NAMI Putnam County by email at namiputnamcounty@gmail.com.