Manley Celebrates Women in the Community Working to Improve Mental Health

JOLIET, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, was recently joined by over 150 community members to honor and celebrate women in our community making a difference for her second annual “Night to Honor Women.”

“Our community is fortunate to have so many women leading the charge to give people suffering with mental health issues the help they need,” Manley said. “I want to make sure that we show our appreciation to these dedicated community leaders.”

This year the program highlighted women and local organizations dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and addiction. Over 150 attendees gathered to listen to speakers from across the community discuss issues of mental health, addiction and the future of mental health care. Speakers for the evening included Dr. Kathleen Burke, Director of Substance Use Initiatives, Will County; Teena Mackey, President of NAMI Will-Grundy; and Mark Heyrman, Clinical Professor of Law at University of Chicago.

Manley also presented Terri King with an award thanking her for her service as an advocate with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Will-Grundy County Chapter and Trinity Services, Inc. King is a member of Manley’s Women’s Legislative Advisory Committee, a group that is working on making sure mental health issues are identified and being treated in our schools.

“So many people are afraid to admit that they might need help for mental health issues,” King said. “We need to do everything we can to remove this stigma, which is essential in empowering people to seek mental health care.”

For more information, please contact Manley’s constituent service office at 815-725-2741 or RepManley@gmail.com.