Course Will Help Families Cope With Mental Illness

Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by Lawrence Township-based NAMI Mercer.

NAMI Mercer is accepting registrations for "Family-to-Family," a free 12-week education course for adult family members of persons living with mental illness. The course will be offered at two locations beginning in February.

Wednesday evening classes from 6:30 to 9 p.m. will commence on Feb. 13, 2013 at Recovery Advocates of America, 2117 Highway 33 in Hamilton Township.

Thursday evening classes during the same hours start on Feb. 21 at the NAMI Mercer Center, 3371 Brunswick Pike in Lawrence Township.

'Family-to-Family" was developed in 1990 by Dr. Joyce Burland, a NAMI family member. Since then, more than 300,000 people around the nation have graduated from the program, which is taught by trained volunteers who have experienced mental illness in their own families.

By attending this program, family members have the opportunity to meet others like themselves in a confidential setting. The curriculum covers the biology of brain disorders, recent developments in brain research related to mental illness, and the latest medication and treatment options. Families also learn how to cope with the stress of caregiving and how best to advocate for their loved ones.

The "Family-to-Family" program is free, but registration is required.

For more information, contact NAMI Mercer at 609-799-8994 or home@namimercer.org.