NAMI Franklin County (NAMI FC) is dedicated to supporting communities in Franklin County, with a particular focus in recent years on strengthening interpersonal relationships within BIPOC communities. By understanding the unique perspectives on mental health within Somali, Asian, New American, Arab, and African American communities, NAMI FC is able to advocate for and connect the communities with public health resources and improve the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families. NAMI FC currently implements numerous sustainable program s that provide education and support for individuals, peers, and family members affected by mental health conditions. These programs are designed to serve all community members in Franklin County, particularly those experiencing social conditions that negatively impact their health outcomes. Franklin County’s unique array of BIPOC communities allowed for a diverse representation of needs, insights, and action plan implementation.
Over the past year, our community engagement initiatives have seen numerous success stories. These include hosting community dinners that foster trust and open dialogue, building resource connections to help address mental health needs, and providing education about mental health care access and youth development programs. Additionally, our efforts have expanded workforce development opportunities for marginalized community members. Through continued community conversations, alliance building, and action plans, we aim to create an even greater impact in the coming years. By securing funding and partnerships, we can ensure the long-term sustainability of these initiatives and continue making a difference in the lives of the individuals and communities we serve. We believe that the collective effort and dedication of our partners, volunteers, and community members are vital to achieving our shared goals and creating a brighter future for all.
Our community partnerships engaged the community through identifying of target leadership within to inspire, empower, and gather members for conversations around mental health, overcoming the barriers of non-trust and language that exist today. Through our process of fostering community leadership, we gathered valuable community insights and advocated for community change by way of community member empowerment.
