NAMI EASTSIDE: MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS WEEK AWARD PRESENTATION

Join us as we recognize two local heroes in the fight against mental illness.  NAMI Washington, the state organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, annually recognizes local individuals that have advanced the NAMI mission; "...to improve the quality of life for all those affected by mental illness..".

Michael Rynas and his wife Susan,long time Bellevue residents now living in Sequim, have been advocates for change in the mental health system in Washington State for more than 15 years.  While President of NAMI Greater Seattle (formerly called WAMI), and founder and former President of NAMI Eastside, Mike recognized that virtually no services were available on the Eastside for family members, and very little for those with mental illnesses. He and Susan led the charge for change. Together they traveled all over the state, personally meeting with families in crisis, city officials, and local legislators, speaking to whomever would listen about the tragedy of mental illness and the lack of services available for individuals with mental illness and their families; NAMI Eastside is one result of their energy and dedication.

Operations Captant Scott Strathy of the Shoreline Police Department has been honored by NAMI Washington for his work on the development of RADAR (Risk, Awareness, De-escalation and Referral).  The RADAR concept operates beyond traditional police functions to embrace community caretaking and procedural justice.  This new program is designed to connect deputies with the mentally ill and developmentally disabled in their patrol area in an attempt to avoid confrontations with police.  

Please join us in presenting Mike Rynas with the NAMI Washington 2013 Jim Adams Lifetime Achievement Award and Operations Captain Scott Strathy with the NAMI Washington 2013 Criminal Justice Award.

Refreshments will be served.

For more information contact Barbara Thompson at (425) 885-6264, barbthompson@nami-eastside.org.