Why Care? Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or coworkers. Despite mental illnesses' reach and prevalence, stigma and misunderstanding are also, unfortunately, widespread.

That is why each year, during the first week of October, NAMI and participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness. Each year, we educate the public, fight stigma and provide support. And each year, our movement grows stronger.

We believe that mental health conditions are important to discuss year round, but highlighting them during Mental Illness Awareness Week provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates across the country to come together as one unified voice. Since 1990, when Congress officially established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), advocates have worked together to sponsor activities, large or small, to educate the public about mental illness.

NAMI Walk at Olin Turville Park, Madison, WI, October 6, 2019 - Noon

Trevor's Team - NAMI Green County will be walking for the 11th consecutive year in Madison on October 6, 2019, at the Dane County NAMI Walk. The team was formed in 2009, in memory of Trevor Moen who died by suicide in October 2007. Trevor had been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in his late teens and also dealt with severe depression. The team formed by his mother, Conni Bigler, also walks to support, educate and advocate for all who suffer from severe mental illnesses and depression.

This is NAMI Green County's main fundraiser. You can find links to join the team and/or support Trevor's Team on Conni's personal Facebook page, NAMI Green County's page or Trevor's Team - NAMI Green County page, as well as the NAMI Green County website at http://www.namigreencounty.org. Donations may also be made mailed to NAMI Green County, PO Box 343, New Glarus, WI 53574. Please note in memo that it is for NAMIWalk and make out to NAMI. Contact Conni Bigler at clbigler@gmail.com or call or message (608) 558-9169.

Calendar of Events Sponsored by NAMI Green County

Sunday, October 6: NAMIWalk - Olin Turville Park, Madison, WI - Noon.

Monday, October 7: Mental Health First Aid Training - Monroe EMS, 1800 12th Street, Monroe, from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Monday, October 7: Free Family Skate Night - Monroe Den, 1506 31st Avenue, Monroe, from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Monday, October 7: Monroe Den, 1506 31st Avenue, MIAW Window Awards at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 8: Mental Health Matters Open House and Community Cookout from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., at the Green County Public Health and Human Services Building, N3152 State Road 81, Monroe.

Wednesday, October 9: Creative Wood Sign - Brodhead Memorial Public Library, 1207 25th Street, Brodhead, from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 10: Empowerment/Motivational Speaker Tamra Oman from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., at the Monroe Performing Arts Center, 1600 26th Street, Monroe.

Friday, October 11: Hike/Bonfire/StorySharing at the New Glarus Woods State Park, W5508 CTH NN, New Glarus, from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Last year, NAMI Green County supported Green County Law Enforcement with "Crisis Intervention Team Training" held in June. The first scholarship was won and will be awarded to a Monroe High School student who will be following a career in mental health. In New Glarus, Brittany Meoska became the advisor to the "Raise Your Voice" club at the New Glarus High School. NAMI Green County hopes to bring the "Ending The Silence" program to New Glarus and Belleville High Schools in 2019. With your support, we can add more projects for the year 2020. Donations to NAMI Green County may be made through Paypal at http://www.facebook.com/NamiGreenCountyInc or on the website at http://www.namigreencounty.org. They can also be mailed to NAMI Green County, PO Box 343, New Glarus, WI 53574.