Building Awareness and Understanding About Mental Illness

BUILDING AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS -- (House of Representatives - March 03, 2005)

(Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to discuss how two service organizations in the Second District of South Carolina have joined together on the Nothing to Hide project to promote awareness about mental illness. This project is an educational photo exhibit about families whose lives have been affected by mental health disorders.

By sponsoring the Nothing to Hide project, the Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island, Sunset, and the Mental Health Association of Beaufort and Jasper are addressing the myths and stigmas surrounding mental illness and are helping connect people who suffer from mental illness to the appropriate resources for support, education, and treatment.

Sunset Rotarians have volunteered to oversee the transition of the display during its 8-week tour through Beaufort and Jasper Counties. I would especially like to recognize the good work and leadership of the dedicated volunteers, Ed Dowaschinski, Krista Delgado, and Sandy Leath. Their strong efforts to raise awareness about this issue that affects so many of our friends and family members will help increase understanding throughout our community.

In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11.

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