Allsup Awards Grant to National Alliance on Mental Illness
Funds to support NAMI Information HelpLine as it experiences a significant increase in calls in 2009
Belleville, Ill. (Vocus/PRWEB ) July 27, 2009 -- Allsup has awarded a grant to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to support the national nonprofit organization's Information HelpLine, which is experiencing a dramatic increase in calls from individuals and families seeking help.
Allsup, which represents tens of thousands of people in the Social Security Disability (SSDI) process each year, is joining with NAMI, the nation's largest mental health advocacy organization, to raise awareness about the resources available to individuals with mental illness and their caregivers and families.
The NAMI HelpLine, which can be reached by calling (800) 950-NAMI, offers mental illness information, referrals and other support.
"Mental illness can affect anyone at any time, short term or long term, and the repercussions can be traumatic to individuals, especially when they can no longer work because of a permanent disability," said CEO Jim Allsup, who founded Allsup in 1984. "Those with physical disabilities and other diseases also commonly experience depression."
"NAMI works hard to listen to, speak for and share the voices of people whose lives are touched by mental illness," said Mr. Allsup. "This grant provides another stone in the foundation NAMI is laying for a better future for people with mental illness."
An estimated one in five American families is affected by mental illnesses such as major depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder.
Since January 2009, calls to the NAMI Information HelpLine have increased by several hundred each month. The HelpLine currently receives more than 4,500 calls each month from individuals, caregivers and family members.
"The NAMI Information HelpLine is at the heart of the NAMI organization as a resource for thousands of Americans," said Michael J. Fitzpatrick, NAMI executive director. "NAMI is grateful to Allsup for their support of this vital service."
The NAMI Information HelpLine can be reached by calling 1 (800) 950-NAMI (6264), Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time. Trained volunteers and staff associates provide information, referrals and support to all who have questions about or are affected by serious mental illness.
About NAMI
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, www.nami.org, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. Founded in 1979, NAMI has affiliates in every state and in more than 1,100 local communities across the country. NAMI leaders and members are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. As a national organization, NAMI focuses on mental health education, support and advocacy efforts to offer hope, raise awareness and initiate change throughout the United States.
About Allsup
Allsup, Belleville, Ill., is a leading nationwide provider of financial and Medicare-related services to people with disabilities. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2009, Allsup has helped more than 120,000 people receive their entitled Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare benefits. Allsup employs more than 580 professionals who deliver services directly to consumers and their families, or through their employers and long-term disability insurance carriers. For more information, visit www.Allsup.com.
Contacts:
NAMI
Christine Armstrong
(703) 312-7893
Allsup
Rebecca Ray, (800) 854-1418 ext. 5065
Dan Allsup, (800) 854-1418 ext. 5760
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