Partners for a Healthier Community

PARTNERS | HEALTHY CITY | HOW HEALTHY | VISION | SUMMIT | PRIORITIES | FUNCTIONS | CITY OF FALL RIVER

Members of NAMI Greater Fall River observed the start of Mental Illness Awareness Week with the dedication of a library followed by a candlelight vigil at the Corrigan Mental Health Center on October 4, 2010. State Representative David Sullivan, who once worked as a social worker on the Corrigan inpatient unit, was the guest speaker. Representative Sullivan described the dedication of former NAMI president Ralph Roberts, who was active for over twenty years prior to his death in May, 2009. "Mr. Roberts was an avid reader and I know he would be happy knowing that patients will have the opportunity to have materials to read," noted Sullivan in dedicating the Center's library to Roberts. The dedication was followed by a brief candlelight ceremony behind the facility in an area dedicated to former NAMI president Anita B. Pyatt. Following some reflections by First Baptist Fall River pastor Rev. Donald Mier, NAMI president Brenda Venice presented a certificate of recognition to Dr. James Farrelley in recognition of the work that members of his Crisis Service do to assist thousands of people every year at the state mental health facility. For further information about NAMI, contact Brenda Venice at 508-678-2584.



(Top row, left) NAMI President Brenda Venice, left, and NAMI member Al Araujo, right, listen as Representative Sullivan praises Ralph Roberts for his years of effective advocacy. (Top row, center and right) Longstanding NAMI member Lillian Hendricksen recalls some of activities that NAMI has engaged in over the years in response to Brenda's invitation to reflect on the past twenty years since Mental Illness Awareness Week was established. (Middle row) NAMI members and supporters listen to presentations by Ms. Venice, Dr. Farrelley and Rev. Mier in front of the plaque that dedicates the recreation area behind the Corrigan Center to the memory of Anita B. Pyatt. (Bottom row, left and center) Vigil participants bow in prayer as Rev. Mier offers words of inspiration and hope for people suffering from mental illness. (Bottom row, right) Dr. Farrelley thanks Ms. Venice for her recognition of the excellent work of the Corrigan Crisis Service over the years.